Air Base De Peel

No F-35s at De Peel airbase

The former De Peel airbase in Vredepeel was in the picture for a long time to be reopened. The Ministry of Defense wanted F-35 fighter planes to take off and land there. Many residents, businesses and interest groups in the region were against it. The municipality of Gemert-Bakel also did not want the F-35s to come to De Peel. The reopening of the airbase would have negative effects on the quality of life and well-being of residents and on the economy and business activity of the municipality.

After a long process of research and public participation, in the spring of 2025, De Peel Air Base was rejected as the preferred location for the F-35. Defense research indicated that Lelystad Airport is the most suitable location for the takeoff and landing of the fighters.

Final Cabinet decision

On December 19, 2025, the Cabinet finally decided on the 45 expansion sites for Defense. The choice for Lelystad Airport is thus final.

Army expansion at De Peel barracks

Now that De Peel Air Base will not reopen to fighter aircraft, the Defense Department wants to expand Army activities at the barracks site. These plans have not yet been worked out.

More information about the NPRD can be found at: Space for Defense | Defense.nl

Archive