KLM pilots to fly F-35s under new defence reserve agreement
July 8, 2025
KLM has signed a new deal with the Dutch Ministry of Defence which would allow its commercial pilots to take time out to fly the F-35 fighter jet in a reserve role.
The flag carrier has committed to offering five ‘full-time equivalent’ roles available, which can be spread among a larger group of pilots who wish to fly as reservists.
KLM said the arrangement would be on a voluntary basis and would apply to pilots with prior military experience who are in entry-level positions at the airline.
It said the tie-up was an “important step towards closer cooperation between civil and military aviation in the Netherlands”.
Among the opportunities for its commercial pilots will be training sessions required to stay current on the F-35.
There are currently said to be 11 former F-35 pilots working for KLM.
KLM contributes to Dutch defence
KLM CEO Marjan Rintel and Gijs Tuinman, acting state secretary of defence, signed the agreement on Monday.
“I am proud that KLM can contribute to the resilience of the Netherlands in this way today,” said Rintel.
“Through this expansion of our cooperation, we can provide colleagues who wish to do so the opportunity to play an important role as reservists.
“This contributes to KLM’s attractiveness as an employer. We are also pleased that the Defence forces can utilise our expertise and experience in aviation in various areas.”
The deal will also explore opportunities to collaborate in the areas of recruitment, training, MRO activities and air transport.
Tuinman added: “The world around us has become less secure, and the challenges for the armed forces are significant.
“Cooperation with the business sector is therefore crucial, as we can help and strengthen each other.
“I am pleased with this step towards even closer collaboration that we are taking today with KLM to make the Netherlands more resilient.”
Also on Monday, the Dutch MoD announced it was sending F-35s to Poland to patrol Nato’s eastern border. The Netherlands has 46 F-35s but the number being sent to Poland was not revealed.
