A look at the Defence news, 14 – 20 October
Joining a German government initiative, the Netherlands Defence organisation is to purchase 46 Leopard 2A8 battle tanks. According to the plan, the first modern battle tanks will arrive in 2027 and the last ones in 2030.
When all battle tanks have been delivered, the armed forces will once again have a full tank battalion, to be manned by 500 military personnel. Netherlands State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman informed the House of Representatives accordingly in a letter last week.
Netherlands orders more artillery shells and self-propelled howitzers for Ukraine from the Czech Republic
Together with Denmark, the Netherlands has ordered new artillery shells for Ukraine from the Czech defence industry. This information is included in a joint declaration by the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Denmark that was released around the European Council. In addition, the Netherlands is to order 6 self-propelled DITA howitzers from the Czech Republic. The Netherlands had previously ordered 9 of these howitzers. They were handed over to Ukraine last summer.
NATO reinforcement for space capabilities, new generation of rotor aircraft on the drawing board
Together with a number of NATO partner countries, the Netherlands will ensure better satellite communications over the Arctic. In addition, the next step was made in the development of a new generation of rotor aircraft. This was discussed at the NATO Defence Minister's Meeting in Brussels last week.
Defence organisation enters into agreement with DeltaQuad for delivery of drones to Ukraine
The Dutch company DeltaQuad is to supply advanced Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones to Ukraine. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence will procure the drones for €42.6 million.
Maritime warfare in the North Sea and off the coast of Scotland
International naval ships of the NATO Response Force and the UK Carrier Strike Group are preparing for a very bleak scenario in Scottish waters and the North Sea: maritime warfare. On behalf of the Royal Netherlands Navy, HNLMS Van Amstel is taking part in Exercise Strike Warrior, which will last until 27 October.
Swedish resilience approach sets example for the Netherlands
Last week, the Agency for Reservists and Society (BReS) organised a network event in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands, with the aim of encouraging industry and other organisations to collaborate professionally with the Defence organisation. The idea behind the event was that a common approach will ultimately lead to a resilient society. Swedish commander Anders Kallin explained, among other things, how resilient Swedish society is and how this resilience was established. He referred to a programme that enhances national resilience and creates a clear response to potential threats.