Netherlands extends MQ-9 Reaper surveillance mission through 2027 as Dutch role grows and U.S. participation ends on NATO's eastern flank

The Netherlands extended its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance deployment in Romania through 2027 as U.S. participation in the mission comes to an end. Dutch aircraft will continue providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage in support of NATO activity on the alliance’s eastern flank. The extension increases the Netherlands’ responsibility for maintaining the mission after the American withdrawal. The announcement did not describe the aircraft as patrolling the Russian border.