The presence of 150 military personnel of 11 Airmobile Brigade in Romania has been extended until at least the end of April. This is chiefly in order to continue to strengthen deterrence in the face of Russian aggression. The Dutch military personnel departed to take part in Exercise Rapid Falcon in late February in order to exercise with American and Romanian colleagues. Originally, the exercise that the Red Berets are taking part in was to take place in Germany for a period of two weeks and included helicopter operations and firing exercises. Due to the Russian threat on the eastern flank of NATO territory, the exercise was moved to Romania. This contributes to credible NATO deterrence. In addition, there are good training opportunities with, among other things, American Black Hawk helicopters.
The 11 Air Assault Brigade (Dutch: 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade) is the rapid light infantry brigade of the Royal Netherlands Army, focused on conducting air assault operations. Troops of the brigade are qualified to wear the maroon beret upon completion of the demanding training course, those qualified as military parachutists wear the appropriate parachutist wings. The brigade was handed the name ‘7 December’ when the First Division 7 December was disbanded in 2004. Since 2014, the brigade has been integrated into the Rapid Forces Division (German: Division Schnelle Kräfte) of the German Army. When the 11 Air Assault Brigade operates integrally with the Defence Helicopter Command (Dutch: Defensie Helikopter Commando) of the Royal Netherlands Air Force they form the 11th Air Manoeuvre Brigade (11 AMB).
