A look at the Defence news 21 – 27 April
The Netherlands is increasingly the target of hybrid attacks that are carried out to disrupt and weaken Dutch society.
In its public annual report on 2024, the Netherlands Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) states that Russia in particular is becoming more active in carrying out such attacks.
Royal honour for Rob Bauer
Admiral Rob Bauer has been appointed a Knight of the Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau. The decoration was presented to the former Netherlands Chief of Defence at Noordeinde Palace on behalf of King Willem-Alexander. Bauer received the royal honour for his international service as Chair of the NATO Military Committee.
Navy intercepts 3 drug shipments in a week
HNLMS Groningen of the Royal Netherlands Navy recently intercepted 3 drug shipments within a week in the Caribbean. A total of 1,653 kilograms of narcotics was therefore kept off the streets. The interceptions occurred on 4, 5 and 9 April, but were only made known last week.
Military personnel to deploy again to Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Netherlands will again contribute to the EUFOR Althea peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. An infantry company of, at most, 175 service members will deploy to the Balkan country in October for a one-year tour of duty. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence is already filling a number of staff positions at mission headquarters in Sarajevo. This commitment will be extended until and including December 2027.
Caribbean Coast Guard invested heavily in personnel in 2024
Last year, the Caribbean Coast Guard invested heavily in the education and training of its personnel. As stated in the Caribbean Coast Guard 2024 Annual Report, which was published last week, the aim for 2025 is to develop into an organisation that can operate independently 24/7. Around 70 full-time positions will therefore be added to the organisation’s workforce.