Two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from the 336 Squadron of the Air Mobility Command, together with a German A400M transport aircraft from the ‘62 Lufttransportgeschwader’, provide the air transport. The dropping of cargo is an important task of the Air Mobility Command. A recent example is the dropping of relief supplies over Gaza. Exercises such as Orange Bull are important for the ability to carry out these types of missions in the future.
Integration and cooperation with partners are central to this exercise. The exercise is organised with the support of units from other branches of the armed forces, such as the 11th Airmobile Brigade, the Special Forces Brigade, the Marine Corps and the Defence Para School. Units of the Royal Netherlands Air Force are also supporting Orange Bull, such as the Air Mobile Protection Team (AMPT), the Operational Healthcare Service (OGZ) and their own units of the Air Mobility Command at Eindhoven Air Base.
All aircraft depart from and land at Eindhoven Air Base. During flights to the training locations, the aircraft fly at the regular minimum flight altitudes. Flights take place daily from 14:00 to 17:00 and from 20:00 to 23:00. On Fridays, flights take place from 12:00 to 13:30 and from 15:30 to 17:00. For the time being, Twente Airport will only be operating flights on 24 and 25 March.
The dropping of parachutists or cargo depends on the weather conditions, among other things. For this reason, a location may be changed at the last minute or a flight may be cancelled. To avoid possible crowds at a location, exact times and locations are not announced in advance.
Military exercises are carefully prepared. This is essential for the exercising units, but also to minimise disruption to the area around the exercise locations. It is possible that you may still experience inconvenience during these exercises. You can submit any reports using the complaints form on www.luchtmacht.nl/geluidshinder. If you would like to know more about flight movements, see www.luchtmacht.nl/vliegbewegingen.
More information about the exercise can be found here.
