Helicopter exercise Royal Air Force

From Monday, August 18 to Friday, August 22, and from Monday, August 25 to Friday, August 29, 2025, helicopters of the Royal Air Force will practice in the vicinity of Nuenen. During the exercise, the crew of two Chinook transport helicopters will train in a fictitious scenario in which cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Army is central. The helicopters may be visible in our municipality between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm. 

Training in low flying

In circumstances where there is a heightened threat, helicopters must stay low to take cover. They then take cover at low altitude behind obstacles, such as a row of trees, a forest plot or hillside. This allows them to carry out their mission unseen and stay out of the opponent's radar view. This requires specific training and experience so they can act correctly in any situation and environment during future deployments. 

Temporary low flying area

A decision has been issued for the exercise for a temporary low flying area in the southeastern Netherlands. In a low flying area, helicopters are allowed to fly up to grass spike height. This does not mean continuous low-level flight. Approach routes and heights as well as training locations are selected in such a way as to prevent noise pollution as far as possible. Operational but also climatological circumstances can cause exercises to proceed differently than previously announced. 

Nuisance from the exercise?

If the flight movements cause inconvenience, you can report it through the online complaint form on the Defense website. More information about flight movements and exercises can be found at https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/vliegbewegingen.