The Quest for Relevant Air Power

266 │ ROYAL NETHERLANDS Air Force
2007. However, this imbalance could only be mitigated through
these measures.
On an operational level, cooperation has fostered mutual trust.
In the post–Cold War era, the RNLAF has gained a reputation of
being a reliable partner, even in dangerous situations. The lessons
of the “near deployment” to the Gulf area in 1990–91 were swiftly
implemented, and the new emphasis on crisis intervention in the
early 1990s led to a substantial Dutch contribution to the air campaigns
over the former Yugoslavia. In the wake of the terrorist attacks
in 2001, the RNLAF actively took on its share in the fight
against terrorism. It provided the weapon of choice in operations
at the upper end of the spectrum of military force and has made
Dutch alliance solidarity visible. In the post–Cold War era, all of
the RNLAF’s major weapon systems have been deployed to outof-area
operations. The Dutch contributed to the air campaigns
over the Balkans in terms of not only quantity but also quality.
Dutch aircrews were prepared to execute dangerous frontline missions.
RNLAF AH-64 combat helicopters and Patriot missile units
provided sought after capabilities to deployed multinational operations.
Due to its flexibility, the Dutch transport/tanker fleet has
also shown an outstanding performance. Despite a below average
budget, the RNLAF has proved to be a member of the A-team,
partly explained by its can-do mentality. Even in cases where
Dutch equipment did not meet the latest Western standards, the
RNLAF achieved respectable results by making the best of the
available means. For instance, devoid of an air-to-ground precision
strike capability, Dutch F-16s released unguided air-toground
weapons with great accuracy against ground targets during
NATO’s air operations over Bosnia.
In the final years of the Cold War, bottom-up attempts were already
being undertaken to enhance education in air power theory
and history. Some RNLAF officers understood that air power had
to be mastered not only in technical terms but also in terms of
theoretical and intellectual developments. This bottom-up approach
was backed by the upper echelons of the RNLAF leadership
and finally led to an institutionalised relationship with SAASS
at Maxwell. It ensured that there has been a corps of educated
Dutch officers throughout the post–Cold War era. This educational
relationship has particularly been in line with RNLAF policy