A look at the Defence news 3-9 July
Military support to Ukraine rises to € 1.9 billion
The total value of the military support that the Netherlands has supplied to Ukraine now stands at around € 1.9 billion. The support packages include weapons, ammunition, vehicles, maritime vessels, demining equipment, bridges, fuel, medical supplies and rations, among other things.
The Netherlands Minister of Defence, Kajsa Ollongren, informed the House accordingly last week. This information is based on deliveries up to 26 June.
HNLMS Van Amstel returns home safely
Last week, HNLMS Van Amstel returned safely to Den Helder Naval Base. Since 17 April, the frigate with its NH90 helicopter had been patrolling the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea as part of a NATO fleet. In addition, it was on 24/7 stand-by to carry out assignments for NATO's maritime headquarters in the United Kingdom. The ship also took part in a number of major exercises.
Dutch military efforts in Iraq on the increase
The Netherlands is to increase its contribution to the NATO mission in Iraq (NMI). The expansion concerns an infantry company with support from 145 military personnel. The company will be deployed for a year for the purpose of force protection in Baghdad from 1 January 2024. This mission was activated following a request from Iraq. The Netherlands is currently providing advisers and staff officers to strengthen the Iraqi security sector. Their deployment has been extended until July 2025.