Military Transport Planes to Train Over Groningen During Orange Bull Exercise
Dutch and German aircraft will conduct cargo drops, nighttime flights, and tactical landings from March 24 to April 4, with Marnewaard as a backup location.
The Dutch military will conduct the Orange Bull exercise for two weeks, from March 24 to April 4. This training operation involves transport aircraft flying over Groningen, Overijssel, and Noord-Brabant. The exercise focuses on cargo dropping, nighttime flying, and tactical landings.
The planes will take off from Eindhoven Air Base, which serves as the main operational centre for the exercise. The training will involve two Dutch C-130 transport planes and a German A-400 transport aircraft. The goal is to improve pilots’ skills in flying under difficult conditions, including making quick landings from unexpected directions. Paratroopers will also take part, practising jumps from the planes.
Marnewaard in Groningen has been designated as an alternative location for the exercise. If bad weather or other issues prevent training in Overijssel or Noord-Brabant, flights may be redirected to Groningen. The Ministry of Defense has stated that disruptions in the area are expected to be minimal. Currently, there are no set plans for cargo drops or parachute jumps in Marnewaard, but it remains a backup site.
The exercise is led by the 336 Squadron of the Air Mobility Command and includes participation from other military units such as the Airmobile Brigade, the Commando Corps, the Marine Corps, and the Defense Para School.
Training flights will take place from Monday to Thursday between 14:00 and 17:00 and again from 20:00 to 23:00. On Fridays, the schedule will be from 12:00 to 13:00 and from 15:30 to 17:00. The training aims to enhance the Dutch and German air forces’ ability to operate in challenging conditions while coordinating with ground forces.
