The Dutch defense ministry revealed it has purchased a used Gulfstream 650 (G650) VIP transport aircraft which it will put into service in 2023.
The ministry noted this was a young airframe from 2015 with more than 2,000 flight hours on the counter.
The G650 will replace the Gulfstream IV, which is almost 35 years old and is nearing the end of its life.
According to the defense ministry, the aircraft will be used for the fast and safe transport of small groups of people such as the political and military leadership. Some of the missions are often difficult or impossible to complete with commercial flights, and the aircraft is also suitable for urgent repatriation of defense ministry employees.
The G650 has a longer range than the current aircraft and can carry more passengers. The aircraft is also suitable for the installation of a certified self-protection system.
The defense ministry explained it chose a used airframe due to a guaranteed availability and lower purchase costs. The aircraft was purchased through Jet Aviation in Basel, Switzerland, who will also be responsible for the conversion of the aircraft.
The old Gulfstream IV has been in use at Defense since 1996 and will be sold after the introduction of the G650.
Netherlands bought the G650 after revealing its decision on its next-generation transport aircraft. In June this year, the Netherlands revealed it had selected the Embraer-built C-390 Millenium as the successor for its old C-130H Hercules transport aircraft.
