Dutch F-35 Received Drone Kill Marking After Shooting Down Russian Drone

An F-35A of the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force, tail number F-027 and assigned to the 313 Squadron, has recorded its first kill of a Russian drone.

A photo was published on the Dutch Ministry of Defence’s website and brought to attention by X user Jeff21461.

The incident took place during a combat sortie over Polish territory, when Russian drones posed a threat to the country’s airspace.

A corresponding “kill mark” appeared on the fighter’s fuselage, symbolizing the successful engagement of the target.

This marks the first confirmed combat destruction of a Russian drone by an F-35 fighter jet.

The 313th Squadron, based at Volkel Air Base in the south of the Netherlands, participates in NATO missions to strengthen air security on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

Its aircraft regularly patrol the airspace of Poland and the Baltic countries.