During the first week of this exercise, the dropping of cargo (Container Delivery System [CDS] drops) and personnel will be practised in an international context. Cargo drops are an important task of the Air Mobility Command, with the Airmobile Brigade responsible for preparing these cargo packages. A recent example is the drop of relief supplies over Gaza. Exercises such as Falcon Leap are important to ensure that we can continue to carry out these types of missions in the future. The second week of the exercise will focus on dropping both Dutch and foreign paratroopers with aircraft from various countries. During this exercise, we will take off and land at Eindhoven Air Base, and Twente Airport will also be used, with the Ginkelse Heide and Marnewaard serving as drop zones.
During the flights to the exercise locations, the aircraft will fly lower than normal and will therefore be more visible and audible. Low-level flying is an important part of the exercise for the pilots. During this exercise, flights will be divided into two blocks. The times are expected to be as follows: 13:00 – 17:00 and 19:00 – 23:00. Please note that these times are subject to change due to various circumstances. We therefore advise everyone to follow the Eindhoven Air Base X account @VlbEindhoven, where the flight times will be communicated daily.
For the safety of spectators and parachutists, the exact times and locations of the parachute jumps will not be released. Military exercises are carefully prepared. This is essential for the units participating in the exercises, but also to minimise disruption to the area surrounding the exercise locations.
However, some disruption may still be experienced during these exercises. Any reports can be submitted via the complaint form at www.luchtmacht.nl/geluidshinder. If you would like to know more about flight movements, please visit www.luchtmacht.nl/vliegbewegingen.
You can find all the information about the exercise at www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/falcon-leap. Please note: this link will only work from the beginning of September.
The information leaflet can be viewed here.
This three-minute video explains what the exercise entails.
