Frisian Flag soars above Frisian skies – The Northern Times

If you happen to see an array of fighter jets flying over your head in Friesland, you need not worry. Frisian Flag, the annual major international air force exercise, commenced on the 2nd of October and will run until the 13th.

35 aircraft will fly twice a day, once in the morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and once in the afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Seven countries, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, and France, will participate in the 10-day event according to the Dutch Minister of Defence to give spectators an insight into Air Force deployment tactics.

The training exercise compiles air attack and defence to teach the participating nations how to deal with complex missions. The Royal Netherlands Navy and the Royal Netherlands Army will also assist in some of the training drills.

Concerns for noise pollution

With varying amounts of military transports in use, it is no wonder that the question of noise pollution became a topic of discussion regarding Frisian Flag. Fortunately for those worried about the environmental impact, not all planes will fly from or to Leeuwarden. 

Denmark’s air force will depart from their Danish base while the British will partake in drills above the North Sea. France will join the exercise from home with a radar plane. 

“There are indeed fewer aircraft here in Leeuwarden,” exercise leader Major Marcel Burgers told Omrop Frieslan, “That always makes a difference to noise pollution.”

Spectating the show 

For those wanting to join, parking regulations have been tweaked slightly. The typical hill near Marsum, which borders the air base, will not be used this year. Instead, those wishing to see the training exercise will have to park alongside the Marsum to Ingelum road. The image below shows where you are allowed to park.

For more information, visit the official site of the Dutch Minister of Defence.