A look at the Defence news 2 - 8 June
The future of European defence was on the agenda at the Clingendael symposium, held in the Nieuwspoort press centre in The Hague on 3 June. Representatives of European government organisations gathered there to discuss how Europe can take more responsibility for its own security.
Keynote speakers included Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space and former Prime Minister of Lithuania, as well as General Onno Eichelsheim, Netherlands Chief of Defence.
According to Eichelsheim, now is the time for Europe to stand strong. In his speech, he said that we must demonstrate that we are ready and willing to fight for freedom and peace.
Netherlands and Czech Republic strengthen cooperation in defence industry
"We must remain fully committed to strengthening our armed forces and defence industry," Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans said during his recent visit to the Czech Republic. He stressed that only then can we deter our enemies and continue to provide unwavering support to Ukraine. The minister's remarks came as he joined the Dutch state visit to the country, where he also witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the defence industries of the two nations.
Netherlands bolsters Ukrainian navy with vessels and drones
The Netherlands has announced a new maritime aid package for Ukraine with a total value of around 400 million Euros. It comprises over 100 fast patrol boats and military vessels for use in special operations. The package was announced by Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels.
NATO ministers discuss objectives ahead of summit in The Hague
Last week, NATO defence ministers discussed the Alliance’s objectives and a potential new defence spending standard. In order to effectively defend the Alliance against rising threats and deter opponents, NATO member countries must boost their investment in military capabilities. This was a central theme during the meeting, held in Brussels on 5 June. The issue is also set to feature on the agenda of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague on 24 and 25 June.
Good start for HNLMS Friesland in the Caribbean
Patrol vessel HNLMS Friesland recently intercepted a smuggling vessel south of the ABC islands. The high-speed craft, known as a go-fast, was found to be carrying more than 3,000 kilos of drugs. Although the incident occurred on 29 May, news of the Dutch navy vessel's intervention was announced only last week. The contraband has been confiscated.