In May 2025, the Dutch skies roared with rotor blades as Exercise Falcon Spring 2025 unfolded across the northern provinces. The 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade and the Defensie Helikopter Commando (DHC) led the operation, joined by the U.S. Army’s 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Over two weeks, Dutch and American helicopters — CH-47 Chinooks, AS532 Cougars, AH-64 Apaches, and UH-60 Black Hawks — ferried troops, supplies, and vehicles between Drachten, Havelte, and Marnehuizen. Airborne infantry from the 13 Infanteriebataljon (11 AMB) executed rapid insertions into mock combat zones, supported by DHC Apaches flying low through mist and rain.
By the final day, the multinational task force had completed over a thousand flight hours. Falcon Spring 2025 proved not only the strength of air mobility in Europe but also the enduring partnership between Dutch and U.S. forces — fast, flexible, and ready for any mission.
To be able to safely operate together, the helicopter crews and soldiers practised procedures at a military training area called "de Haar". Entering and exiting the helicopters was practised as well as attaching and detaching underslung loads.
