The Netherlands has announced a rapid expansion of its armed forces, with the country’s new government announcing plans to buy F-35 fighter jets, frigates, tanks, drones, and other munitions. It will also expand its personnel.
In a defence note, presented on September 5, authorities also announced that it would be increasing the number of personnel serving in the army and would also reintroduce the country’s first tank battalion since disbanding the last one in 2011.
According to NATO standards, a tank battalion typically consists of 44 tanks, plus an additional eight for training and logistics.
Most likely, these will be the new Leopard 2A8 models for which Germany recently opened a production line. The Netherlands received an invitation from Berlin last year to join the acquisition, aligning with its current defence policy.
Boxer armoured fighting vehicles held by the Netherlands will meanwhile receive upgrades, including heavier canons and anti-tank equipment.
This decision comes after the new cabinet’s commitment to increase defence spending to meet NATO’s 2 per cent GDP target, raising the annual defence budget by €2.4 billion.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands already started to raise their investment in the army, but NATO insisted it needed more heavy fighting capacity.
The new right-wing government now follows this line of thinking.
“The best way to prevent war is to keep potential adversaries at bay. This requires a credible, strong and innovative armed force”, said Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
“Investing in defence is therefore absolutely essential, as we must actively protect our security. The relentless Russian aggression in Ukraine shows that an attack on the NATO alliance is no longer unthinkable. Such an event would have far-reaching consequences for our security and prosperity. Together with our allies, we must do everything possible to prevent this.”
The Belgian army’s stocks of ammunition are dangerously depleted and are currently at just 7 per cent of the level required by NATO, Belgian MP @FranckenTheo has claimed. https://t.co/OARm1ecApO
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) April 19, 2024
Defence State Secretary Gijs Tuinman pointed to the dangers of hybrid threats, like cyberattacks or other forms of social disruption.
The Dutch plan to invest an extra €2.4 billion in their defence department. €1.5 billion of it will go to combat power. The rest will go to extra personnel and innovation.
“We can buy a whole lot of equipment, but without people there are no tanks on the road,” State Secretary Tuinman said.
In light of this need, the Dutch government is exploring models of a gradually more obligatory character in wartime that can be reduced during peacetime.
Becoming a reservist will be made more appealing. Moreover, the number of positions for the military service year will be expanded.
The Netherlands already had an F-35 fleet in the Air Force, but it will expand its numbers. This allows more aircraft to be ready for deployment at any one moment, with units having more striking power overall.
The country will further invest in drones and unmanned systems — the note uses woke terminology ‘unstaffed’ for the munitions type — while also investing in anti-drone systems and High Energy Laser systems. Helicopters will get additional upgrades, including sensors, optics, radars etc.
The navy will get two anti-submarine warfare frigates and extra NH-90 helicopters.
Other munition supplies will also be expanded.
When buying new material, the army will not focus on the principle of “best product for the best price”, but will look at other parameters. Timely availability and place of origin will be more important.
Dutch and European manufacturers will also get a leg up.
Local defence companies are also financially encouraged by the Cabinet to develop new equipment.
Ukraine will continue to receive support from the Netherlands, both material and training.
Deze tijd vraagt iets bijzonders van iedereen.
Na jaren van vrede in Europa, moeten we wennen aan het idee dat ook Nederland betrokken kan raken bij een gewapend conflict op NAVO-grondgebied.
Om dit te voorkomen, bereiden we ons voor. Vandaag presenteren wij de plannen. pic.twitter.com/CYM5UwIa6V
— Gijs Tuinman (@DefensieStas) September 5, 2024
