Helicopter Exercise "Centaur Hammer"

From Monday, August 17, through Thursday, August 20, and on Monday, August 24, and Tuesday, August 25 (weeks 34 and 35), helicopter crews from the Defense Helicopter Command will be training in a temporary low-altitude flight zone in the northeastern Netherlands. 

During the “Centaur Hammer” exercise, Apache crews train in a scenario in which they must fly toward and neutralize (ground) targets.

During the exercise, four Apache attack helicopters may be visible and audible in the areas surrounding the municipalities of Westerveld, Assen, Het Hogeland, and neighboring municipalities. 

Flight Times and Surrounding Area 

The exercise on the dates listed above will take place during the following times: 

  • 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

During the exercise, densely built-up areas, industrial and port areas, and large gatherings of people will be avoided as much as possible. Flight paths and altitudes, as well as exercise locations, will be selected in such a way as to minimize noise pollution as much as possible.

Advice for Farmers 

Experience from previous exercises shows that (young) livestock can be startled by sudden low-altitude flights. 

Recommendation from the Department of Defense:

  • Keep animals indoors whenever possible, or in a spacious, sheltered pasture.
  • Turn on a radio in the barn to mask sudden noises.
  • Health Young livestock are not kept alone but in a group, which reduces stress. 
  • Discuss precautionary measures with neighbors or fellow livestock farmers. 
  • If desired, consult your veterinarian about additional measures. 

Information and Notifications Regarding Flight Movements

The Ministry of Defense takes great care in preparing military exercises, including military flights. This is essential not only for all flying units of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, but also for the areas where the Ministry of Defense conducts its exercises. We spread flight operations as much as possible across the various training areas in the Netherlands. All of the Ministry of Defense’s low-altitude flight routes and areas can be found onthis page:. 

Operational and weather conditions may cause exercises to proceed differently than previously announced.

More Information and Complaints

The Ministry of Defense recognizes that flight operations can cause a nuisance. You can report this on the Ministry of Defense website using theonline complaint form at. Visitluchtmacht.nl/vliegbewegingen for more information about flight operations and exercises.

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Forward Arming and Refueling Point 

During the exercise, a “Forward Arming and Refueling Point” (FARP) will be set up—a forward supply post for the helicopters. This is a location where helicopters can be refueled quickly and close to the action; a staging area between the home base and the “front.” This increases the helicopters’ operational readiness and range.

During this exercise, the Air Force is using military training areas to set up a FARP. However, residents living near the training area may notice the presence of the FARP due to increased activity by helicopters and military vehicles in the area. 

Flying Under Increased Threat 

In situations involving an elevated threat level, flying at high altitudes is not an option for helicopters. As a result, helicopters must stay low to remain concealed. They seek cover at low altitudes behind obstacles, such as a row of trees, a wooded area, or a hill. This allows them to carry out their mission unseen and remain outside the enemy’s radar range. Flying low and using the cover provided by the terrain is a means of self-protection for helicopter pilots. However, this requires specific training and experience so that they can respond appropriately in any situation and environment during operations.

To practice these tactical procedures, a temporary low-altitude flight zone has been requested for this exercise in the northeastern Netherlands. In a low-altitude flight zone, helicopters are permitted to fly as low as the height of a blade of grass. The decision establishing this temporary low-altitude flight zone can be foundhere:.