Soesterberg Summer Offensive
The explosive finale of your summer!
The next edition of the Soesterberg Summer Offensive will take place on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Curious about the program? Keep an eye on this page for more information about the next summer offensive.
Soesterberg Summer Offensive 2025
Stories about freedom came to life, from the Second World War to modern peace missions. This was the Soesterberg Summer Offensive 2025.
Air Force Square
Air Force Base Soesterberg is the birthplace of Dutch military aviation. Over 100 years ago, the first Dutch aircraft took off, after which it grew into an important military base. During the Soesterberg Summer Offensive, we bring this history back, with various military aircraft on the grounds to view up close.
- Static display: including jet fighters to view very close up.
- Open cockpits Fokker F.27 and Breguet Atlantic.
- View the Chinook from inside.
- Flying in a Spitfire or F-16 simulator.
- Fly-bys of the Chinook, Spitfire and Harvards!
Army Square
Our collection consists largely of army equipment. Besides a static display of this collection, a number of vehicles could also be seen driving in the Arena. Also, a number of special vehicles from home and abroad were guests again!
- Spectacular tank show in the Arena.
- Guest vehicles: including Nashorn Sd.Kfz. 164, M4A3E2 Jumbo Sherman, IS-III, M5 Stuart, Centurion tank and the ‘Pantserhouwitser 2000NL’ from the Royal Netherlands Army!
- Experience power, technology and history up close with ‘Tanks in Sight’.
- Tanks and other military vehicles to see in a static display.
- Militaria market with collectibles, books, patches and more!
And more...
- Sharply trained service dogs in action.
- Community square with ‘Veterans tell their stories’ and Veterans Radio.
- Re-enactment GDR, UNIFIL and Royal Marechaussee.
- A unique look behind the scenes in our depot.
- Live restoration of the last Dutch Catalina.
- Exciting activities for children, such as laser tag, mini-jeep driving and military bootcamp.
What did others think?
-
Really very cool to see the tank show!
Marion, mother of 2 children (8 and 11 years old) -
The smell, the sound of the tanks... It felt like coming home.
Erik, former military -
We went with friends. Surprisingly fun and educational day out.
Lisa, 27 years old -
A wonderful day with my grandson – unforgettable!
Jan, 68 years old
Soesterberg Summer Offensive
Nightshoot 2025
On Friday evening August 29, 2025, visitors were treated to a beautiful sunset after a few drops of rain. There was even a fantastic rainbow to see! The photographers took the most beautiful pictures of the aircraft on the strip of the former air base.
Aircraft in the spotlights:
- Agusta-Bell 204B(I) UH-1
- Hawker Hunter F.Mk.4
- North American F-86F ‘Sabre’
- Northrop NF-5B ‘Freedom Fighter’
- McDonnell Douglas Phantom II F-4E
- Lockheed TF-104G ‘Starfighter’
- Lockheed Martin F-16BM ‘Orange Jumper’
- Gloster Meteor T.Mk.7
The next Soesterberg Summer Offensive Nightshoot will take place on Friday evening August 28, 2026.
