A look at the Defence news 15–22 November

Over the coming 6 months, the Netherlands will deploy a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft in Mali. Its tasks will include supplying troops in enemy territory, either on the ground or by parachute, carrying out medical evacuations if needed and the transport of Malian military personnel, coalition units and cargo. The aircraft will also map areas in the region for the UN. The aircraft, which bears UN markings, landed in the West African republic last week.

Enlarge image A C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
A Dutch C-130 Hercules transport aircraft landed in Mali.

Double drug haul for HNLMS Holland in Caribbean

In 2 operations, HNLMS Holland has intercepted a total of about 535 kilos of drugs in the Caribbean. The Royal Netherlands Navy vessel made the interceptions at the end of last month, but the hauls were only announced last week.

HNLMS Pelikaan visits Suriname

For the first time since 2010, a Royal Netherlands Navy vessel is visiting Suriname. The logistics support ship HNLMS Pelikaan moored in the port of Paramaribo last Friday. The visit is one of the first steps in renewed military cooperation between the 2 countries.