Netherlands Defense to be Boosted by Huge Financial Input

(Bloomberg) – The Netherlands plans to allocate several billion euros for the renewal of the majority of its major naval vessels within the next 15 years, aiming to enhance its defense capabilities following Russia's attack on Ukraine.

The country possesses four air defense and command frigates slated for decommissioning within the coming decade. Additionally, there's a necessity to upgrade the ships’ anti-air missile systems, as announced by the Defense Ministry in a statement on Friday. A specific figure for the expenditure was not disclosed.

In response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, the Dutch government has increased its defense expenditure. By the end of the previous year, defense spending rose to 1.7% of its GDP, a significant increase from 1.15% in 2014. The expenditure is anticipated to meet or exceed the NATO guideline of 2% of GDP starting this year. Additionally, the government will soon reveal the winner of a multi-billion euro bid for new submarines.

Mark Rutte, the outgoing Prime Minister known for his support of military assistance to Ukraine, is considered a frontrunner for the next NATO secretary-general position. His candidacy is supported by several nations, including the US and the UK, to take over from Jens Stoltenberg later this year.

The Dutch administration intends to engage local maritime construction sectors in the frigate replacement initiative, working with entities like Damen Naval and Thales Nederland.

According to State Secretary of Defense Christophe van der Maat, this strategy "strengthens the Dutch defense industry in a sector where the Netherlands has a leading international position and thus contributes to the strengthening of European strategic autonomy," as stated in the announcement.

The introduction of the first new vessel is anticipated by 2036, with subsequent ships to be commissioned within the following five years.