During these two weeks, the airdropping of cargo (Container Delivery System drops) and paratroopers will be practised in an international context. The airdropping of paratroopers will be carried out by various transport aircraft from different countries, as will the paratroopers themselves.
What makes this exercise unique this year? Sweden is taking part in this exercise for the first time, and Portugal is flying a C-390 this year. The Royal Netherlands Air Force has acquired this aircraft to replace the C-130.
During Falcon Leap, the aircraft take off from Eindhoven Air Base and return there. Twente Airport is also being used. The Ginkelse Heide, Hechtelse Heide and Marnewaard serve as drop zones.
During this period, the aircraft will be flying lower than usual and will therefore be more visible and audible. Flying at low altitude is an important part of the exercise to ensure the pilots’ operational readiness. The exercise will be conducted in two blocks: expectedly between 13:00 and 17:00 and between 19:00 and 23:00. We should also mention that these times are subject to change due to various circumstances. We therefore advise everyone to follow Eindhoven Air Base’s X account @VlbEindhoven, where the flight time slots are communicated daily.
For the safety of spectators and the parachutists, the exact times and locations of the parachute jumps will not be disclosed.
Through Falcon Leap, international units practise their cooperation and operational readiness, ensuring they can continue to respond quickly and effectively to military or humanitarian missions in the future. A recent example is the airdrop of relief supplies over Gaza. During the preparation of the exercise, consideration is given to the surrounding area and every effort is made to minimise disruption to local residents as much as possible. However, some disruption may still be experienced during this exercise. Any complaints can be submitted via the complaints form at www.luchtmacht.nl/geluidshinder.
View the Falcon Leap 2026 infographic here.
