The delivery systems for the US bombs stationed in Europe are fighter aircraft in all five stationing countries. In the Netherlands, the F-16 A/B of the 1st Fighter Wing are intended for this purpose. These systems are currently being replaced by F-35A aircraft.
The Netherlands has been using the F-16 for NATOs technical nuclear sharing mission since around 1982, when they replaced the F-104 G Starfighter.
The following table shows images and capabilities of different aircraft types that are relevant to the role of nuclear sharing in the Netherlands.
[Insert table from https://nuclearsharing.eu/en/delivery-systems/]
Since 2015, the Netherlands has started to purchase F-35s for use in various missions. In 2022, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced the purchase an additional six aircraft, bringing the planned total number up to 52. The 313 Squadron based at Volkel Air Base is already operating the F-35. However, only the 312 Squadron at Volkel has a nuclear mission, tasked with delivering US nuclear weapons, and is still using the F-16 A/B. The transition for the 312 Squadron is planned to begin in 2024.
[Insert updated map Flight Ranges and Air Defenses here with the combat radii of the F-16 and the F-35A starting from Volkel AB – ask Moritz Kütt, if he can provide this map]