The Quest for Relevant Air Power

ROYAL NETHERLANDS Air Force │ 227
While the Defence White Paper 1991 announced a reduction in
the RNLAF’s F-16 fleet, a need for improved mobility and flexibility
called for an enhanced air transport capability against the
backdrop of a more active UN peacekeeping role outside the
NATO treaty area. Particularly through the acquisition of tanker/
transport aircraft, it was intended to establish a strategic airlift capacity.
32 Regarding intratheatre mobility, the Defence White Paper
1991 announced the establishment of an airmobile brigade, integrating
helicopters and light infantry. 33 The helicopter force was
subsequently put under the command of the Air Force and underwent
far-reaching developments from light reconnaissance helicopters
such as the Alouette III to some of the most advanced
combat and transport helicopters forming the Tactical Helicopter
Group (THG). The THG was fully incorporated into Air Force
structures, with the Royal Netherlands Army determining the operational
requirements. 34
Table 4 shows the development of the RNLAF’s aircraft inventory
from 1991 to 2005. To meet the political demands of enhanced
mobility and combat readiness, the combat aircraft fleet
Courtesy Netherlands Institute for Military History; photo by H. Keeris
An RNLAF CH-47 Chinook on Exercise Snow Falcon in Norway. The
THG, combining transport and Apache combat helicopters, and the Royal
Netherlands Army’s 11th Air Mobile Brigade are integrated into the “bluegreen”
Air Manoeuvre Brigade.