A look at the Defence news 13 - 19 October
By jointly ordering 222 Boxer Schakal combat vehicles, Germany and the Netherlands underline their deepening defence partnership while strengthening NATO’s striking power. The smooth joint purchase is a prime example of successful international cooperation.
Both countries are purchasing exactly the same vehicle, but with different communication equipment. The Netherlands is initially set to purchase 72 vehicles, and Germany 150. Delivery is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028. The contract allows for additional vehicle purchases in the future.
Netherlands to invest millions in Ukrainian drones and counter-drone systems
The Netherlands is set to invest an additional €90 million in Ukrainian drones. This was announced by Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels last week. The money will go towards the production of advanced drone systems. These systems combine surveillance and attack drones. Rather than go straight to a specific target, they fly to a broader area and circle until they detect a target, which they then neutralise. This makes them particularly effective at neutralising tanks and armoured vehicles. The drones are produced in Ukraine.
Earlier last week, the Netherlands had already announced that it would invest € 200 million in counter-drone systems for Ukraine. These unmanned systems are capable of detecting, identifying, following and neutralising enemy attack drones. In Kyiv, Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans also signed a cooperation agreement with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Shmyhal for the co-production of drones and other defence materiel. This allows Ukrainian and Dutch businesses to cooperate in the production of these drones, including in the Netherlands.
Infanteers rescue traffic accident victim in Bosnia and Herzegovina
During a patrol in Bosnia and Herzegovina last week, Netherlands military personnel rescued a truck driver involved in a serious traffic accident. Airmobile infantry personnel found the man unconscious and bleeding when they climbed into the truck via the roof. They then kicked out the windscreen and carefully managed to free the injured man. Observing medical protocol, they cleared the driver’s airways and placed him in a stable side position. An ambulance then took the injured man to hospital.
Dutch soldier killed during exercises in Germany
Last week, a 28-year-old Royal Netherlands Army soldier was killed during Exercise Ferocious Bison in Germany. The incident occurred near the Munster Süd exercise area. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee is investigating the cause of the incident, with the help of the German police.