A look at the Defence news 15 - 21 September
During the State Opening of Parliament the King announced that the defence budget increases in view of worsening security situation. The Dutch government is to increase defence spending by €3.4 billion next year. The total budget will thus increase to € 26.8 billion.
The military organisation is being given additional funding because of the deteriorating security situation in the world. The armed forces must be able to defend Dutch territory and that of its allies, together with NATO partners. The government will also continue its unwavering support for Ukraine.
Harold Liebregs at the helm of the Royal Netherlands Navy in grim times
Vice Admiral Harold Liebregs has been appointed Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy and Admiral Benelux. Last Thursday, he took over command of the Royal Netherlands Navy from Vice Admiral René Tas at Den Helder Naval Base. In his farewell speech, his predecessor warned of powerful leaders such as Putin and Xi, who are forging ahead and won't be waiting for us to catch up. The increase in the NATO standard to 5% of gross domestic product is, in his view, not a moment too soon. Vice Admiral Tas also stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and taking the threat seriously.
Alkmaar-class mine hunters to Bulgaria
Three Dutch and four Belgian mine countermeasures vessels are to be transferred to the Bulgarian navy. The package also includes a simulator and spare parts. The Dutch naval vessels are of the Alkmaar class and will be heading to Bulgaria in 2027 and 2028. State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman said that it is in the interest of both Bulgaria and the Netherlands and its allies that the vessels are to be stationed there, considering the current worrying developments on the eastern flank of the NATO territory.
Start of recovery of Second World War German fighter aircraft
Defence has started the recovery of a Messerschmitt BF 109 that crashed during the Second World War. The remains of the pilot may still be present in the aircraft. The Messerschmitt is located in the municipality of Heerde, near the village of Veessen. The Royal Netherlands Air Force recovery service will remove the remains of the aircraft. The Royal Netherlands Army Recovery and Identification Service will identify any human remains found.
British recognition for Polish paratroopers' contribution to Market Garden
On Saturday 20 September, the contribution of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade to Operation Market Garden was commemorated at the Polenplein in Driel, a village close to Arnhem. Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans underlined the historic significance of the ceremony in his speech, remarking that the British government has finally done justice to the Polish paratroopers by giving them the recognition they deserve. During the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled by means of which the British government expressed its appreciation for the courage and dedication of the Polish brigade. The Polish paratroopers parachuted from their aircraft over Driel on 21 September 1944 as part of Operation Market Garden. They helped approximately 2,000 British soldiers escape from the area around Arnhem.