On 21 November 2024, the Royal Netherlands Air Force awarded a framework agreement for the provision of advanced Adversary Air (ADAIR) training services to a team consisting of the Canadian Top Aces and the Netherlands company of AEC Skyline. This was announced at the NIDV Exhibition Defence & Security (NEDS) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Text and photos: Emiel Sloot
Teaming up
According to a press bulletin issued by both, the Top Aces-AEC Skyline combo will significantly enhance the training experience for the Netherlands’ Air Combat, Air Mobility and the Defence Helicopter Commands under a proof of concept (PoC) scheme.
The collaboration between Top Aces and AEC Skyline began in early 2023 when both companies participated together in Frisian Flag 2023, a large exercise hosted regularly by the Royal Netherlands Air Force. A partnership between the two was announced during NEDS 2023, unveiling an exclusive teaming agreement for the joint provision of advanced defence training solutions in the Netherlands.
Fleet expansion?
Top Aces offers ADAIR and JTAC training solutions to various air arms, including the German armed forces. For this, a fleet of A-4N Skyhawks and Alpha Jet A aircraft is available. A detailed report on Top Aces was published earlier and can be found here.
The German-based assets will also serve the Dutch contract. Top Aces’ regular home base at Wittmund is close to the border and an ideal starting point for ADAIR missions against F-35As of the Dutch Air Combat Command. Wittmund is close to reopening after a large renovation, anyway the temporary base at Nordholz is suitably located as well.
“With our established bases in Northern Germany and a well-practiced ability to deploy to military and civilian airfields across Europe, we will base our aircraft in the best location to meet RNlAF requirements,” according Erin Black, Top Aces’ communications manager.
Regarding the number of available aircraft, Erin Black explains: “We will support the RNlAF with our growing European fleet of modernized, AESA-equipped A-4N Skyhawks and Alpha Jets. However, as an international company with a broad spectrum of advanced aggressor capabilities and as the only commercial F-16 operator in the world, we can supplement that fleet at an appropriate time to meet growing demand in the Netherlands and across Europe.”
Eighteen months and beyond
Didier Toussaint, Group President of Top Aces Inc. stated: “we are truly honoured to have been selected by the RNlAF as a trusted partner to provide advanced air combat training capabilities. Together with AEC Skyline, we look forward to training the next generations of combat leaders for the Dutch military.”
The contract will start on 1 January 2025 and spans 1.5 years, although both companies of course wish to continue the cooperation beyond 1 July 2026.
The author would like to thank Top Aces' communication manager Erin Black for her kind assistance to this report.