A look at the Defence news 13–19 November
Last week, the first European F-16 training centre (EFTC) was opened in Romania. The training location is intended for training Romanian and Ukrainian pilots to become F-16 pilots. The Netherlands took the initiative for the EFTC, and has made 12 to 18 F-16s available.
European ministers call for better access to capital for defence industry
A strong, competitive and resilient defence industry is essential for the security of Europe. To achieve that aim, it is vital that the defence industry has sufficient access to capital in order to make investments. European criteria for sustainable investments should not unnecessarily hinder that access. The European defence ministers made a joint statement to that effect last week.
Government reserves € 2 billion for military support to Ukraine.
Dutch naval vessel bound for Mediterranean for possible deployment near Gaza
HNLMS Holland is on its way to the eastern part of the Mediterranean, where the patrol vessel will be able to provide support in the event of evacuations from the region. Another option is to contribute to a maritime corridor, together with allies. This will enable humanitarian relief to reach Gaza by sea.
Minehunters in NATO fleet disarm 17 explosives
Last week, 7 mine countermeasures vessels from the NATO SNMCMG1 fleet disarmed 17 explosives in less than 5 days. This took place during a mine countermeasures operation in Narva Bay, in the north-eastern coastal area of Estonia. The Royal Netherlands Navy's vessel HNLMS Vlaardingen is part of the fleet. The Dutch minehunter managed to clear 5 explosives.