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Dutch Military Helicopters Launch 'Centaur Lance' Drills Over Northern Netherlands

The drills focus on low-altitude tactics to engage simulated targets.

Overview

  • The Defensie Helikopter Commando is conducting the exercise in two blocks from March 9–12 and March 16–19, with flights each day between 09:00 and 23:00.
  • Operations cover parts of Drenthe, Overijssel, Friesland, Flevoland, and Groningen, including routes across East Groningen from Haren to Winschoten.
  • Crews are training to detect and neutralize fictitious targets on the ground and in the air while practicing use of terrain for cover.
  • Daytime sorties may fly as low as roughly 30 meters above ground level, with higher minimum altitudes in the evening.
  • Defence says routes are planned to reduce disturbance by avoiding dense housing, industrial areas, large groups of people, and sensitive sites such as hospitals.