A look at Defence news 22 - 28 May

The EU Defence Ministers met in Brussels this week. The topics discussed included military support to Ukraine, scaling up production capacity and new defence projects.

Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren informed the council that the Netherlands will be contributing € 260 million to a joint ammunition procurement initiative for Ukraine.

Red Berets train in combat operations in Greece during Swift Response

Soldiers from 11 Airmobile Brigade participated in the multinational airborne exercise Swift Response, which took place in Greece. An important element of the exercise was the deployment of a medical unit. Training for the entire operational medical chain was completed in realistic conditions.

Netherlands Air Force trains in smart use of tactical networks in future air operations

Integrating multiple tactical networks while in the air was the focus of a US-led experiment in future helicopter operations. The smart use of systems allows targets to be disabled before they pose a serious threat. The Royal Netherlands Air Force took part in this Experimental Demonstration Gateway Event.

First drugs haul for HNLMS Groningen since return to the Caribbean

HNLMS Groningen has made its first drugs capture since the Royal Netherlands Navy ship returned to the Caribbean recently. Over 500 kilos of marijuana was intercepted during the operation.

Ministers discuss Belgian-Dutch cooperation in Den Helder

Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren and her Belgian counterpart Ludivine Dedonder discussed Belgian-Dutch maritime cooperation during a joint visit to the Royal Netherlands Navy in Den Helder.

75 years of UN peacekeeping missions

A ceremony was held at the Malieveld in The Hague to commemorate 75 years of UN peacekeeping missions. Several peacekeepers shared their experiences. Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren and Netherlands Chief of Defence General Onno Eichelsheim laid a wreath in honour of all military and civilian personnel deployed on UN missions. The event had been organised by the Dutch Association for the United Nations.

Margraten: symbol of a lasting European-American bond

A US Memorial Day service was held at the American Cemetery in Margraten, Limburg, commemorating the American soldiers who died in Europe during the Second World War fighting for our freedom. During the service, Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren remarked on how the service honours the sacrifice of many young American men and women. Their sacrifices are marked by the white crosses and stars of David that stretch over the hills at Margraten, a confirmation of the lasting bond between Europe and the United States.