F-001 (FMS 09-5008) took the skies for the first time on 6 Aug'12, and was delivered to the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force) on 25 July 2013, even before the Dutch government decided for an F-35 order! It was assigned to the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin AFB (FL) and carried the (USAF) OT tailcode during its test program. After the 31st TES, the F-35A was transferred to Edwards AFB (CA) where it joined the 323 Test Squadron. Here it is seen blasting away over the Edwards runway for another test mission.

Resting after the Atlantic crossing for the very first time. This first F-35A for the KLu, arrived in its maiden deployment at Leeuwarden on 23 May'16. F-001 (FMS 09-5008) took the skies for the first time on 6 Aug'12, and was delivered to the KLu, before the Dutch government decided for an F-35 order, on 25 Jul'13. It was assigned to the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin AFB (FL) and carried the (USAF) OT tailcode during its test program. After the 31st TES, the -35 was transferred to Edwards AFB (CA) where it joined the 323 Test Squadron. Currently assigned to 308th FS at Luke (AZ)

Operated by 323 TES at Edwards AFB, this Dutch F-35A visited Volkel for the RNLAF open days in 2019. It wears "70 years" markings on the tail to celebrate the 70th anniversary of 323 Sqn. It returned to the US, to operate with 308th FS at Luke AFB.

70 years 323 Sqn. special paint.

Lightning strikes on a beautiful day through the Sidewinder trail.

Photography jet fighters in their element while they pass fast and low gives you a true adrenaline kick. Their scream through the valley makes you almost forget that this is real military hardware, designed for combat missions. The plane you see was not designed as a model like you see on a fashion catwalk. The pilot inside is having a real tough time, manoeuvring his plane through the canyon: train as you fight, fight as you train! This Dutch F-35A of 323 Test and Evaluation Squadron (323 TES), based at Edwards AFB (CA), buzzed some photographer heads!

Chased by its shadow, Royal Netherlands Air Force 323 Test and Evaluation Squadron F-35A buzzing Rainbow Canyon in Death Valley (CA).