A look at the Defence news 18 – 24 August
The Netherlands provides air defence in Poland to protect NATO and support Ukraine, by deploying two Patriot anti-aircraft systems to Poland, along with approximately 300 military personnel.
From 1 December to 1 June next year, they will protect the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) logistics centre. This will provide support to Ukraine. Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans announced the Dutch contribution last week.
Sandy Coast: removing explosives and protecting cables
The Royal Netherlands Navy is currently clearing mines and other explosives in the North Sea, in cooperation with the Belgian and Estonian navies. The military presence north of the Dutch Wadden Islands also helps to prevent sabotage of critical infrastructure, such as undersea cables. The three countries are also training how to best secure a port. These activities are part of exercise Sandy Coast 25, which started on 18 August.
HNLMS Friesland continues to make waves in the Caribbean
HNLMS Friesland has once again intercepted a large consignment of drugs in the Caribbean. In two separate operations on 11 July and 2 August, the ship seized almost 5,800 kilos of marijuana. This was made public last week.