KLM to lend pilots to Dutch Air Force for fighter jet duties

KLM has agreed to lend pilots to the Dutch Air Force, enhancing cooperation with the defense ministry after being criticized for recruiting military aviators. The airline will provide five full-time pilots to fly F-35s as reservists. This move comes as European governments bolster their militaries amid rising threats and wavering US support. NATO members, including the Netherlands, plan to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Junior Defense Minister Gijs Tuinman noted the growing challenges for the military. The Netherlands operates 46 F-35 jets, with plans to deploy some to Poland for NATO airspace security.