A look at the Defence news 3 – 9 November
The 18 Dutch F-16s operating in Romania have now been formally transferred to that country.
The transfer papers were signed in Bucharest last week. The F-16s are used to train Romanian and Ukrainian F-16 pilots.
Netherlands Air and Space Force recovers Second World War bomber
The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force has started the recovery of a British bomber aircraft. Parts of the Second World War Avro Lancaster were found in woodland near Dronten, in the province of Flevoland, last year. The recovery operation will last until 21 November.
Possible production of American air defence ammunition in the Netherlands
A study into the possibility of producing American air defence ammunition in the Netherlands will be carried out next year. The US government approved the feasibility study last week.
Netherlands contributes to security and stability in Lebanon
The Netherlands is to provide financial support to the Lebanese Armed Forces to the tune of approximately €7.5 million. The money is intended for checkpoints, training centres, demining and border control. The ministers of defence of both countries sealed the agreement regarding the strengthening of the Lebanese armed forces in a Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU was signed on the final day of Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelman's five-day tour of various countries in the Middle East.
Historic meeting of JEF countries with Ukrainian officials in attendance
The ministers of defence of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) discussed their unwavering support for Ukraine during a two-day meeting in Norway last week. The participation of Ukraine marked a historic first. Among the subjects discussed were joint deterrence and increased defence cooperation in the high north in order to counter the Russian threat.
Royal Netherlands Navy escorts Russian research vessel away from the North Sea
Last week, the Russian vessel Yantar was active in the Dutch part of the North Sea, outside the territorial waters. After having been monitored by the navy, the ship left the area under escort. For some time now, the Defence Intelligence and Security Service (DISS) has been warning against the presence of Russian research ships, including the Yantar, in the North Sea.