A look at the Defence news 10–16 November
Over the coming weeks, HNLMS Van Amstel will be on patrol as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1). Sea patrols contribute to the visibility and readiness of the alliance at sea.
HNLMS Amstel, a multi-purpose frigate, recently took over from HNLMS Johan de Witt as the flagship of the SNMG1. The handover took place in the Swedish capital Stockholm. The NATO fleet operates in the Baltic Sea and around Western Europe.
Construction of first Dutch C-390 has started
The Brazilian manufacturer Embraer has started to build the first C-390 military transport aircraft ordered by the Netherlands. It marks the next step in an international cooperation project. Netherlands, Austria and Sweden will together buy a total of 13 of these aircraft, with our country to purchase 5 C-390s, and Austria and Sweden each to purchase 4 of the aircraft.
AWACS partners look for alternative to replace fleet
Together with a number of partner countries, the Netherlands has abandoned its intention to purchase 6 Boeing E-7 Wedgetails. The aircraft was being considered as a replacement for the Boeing E-3A, which is currently used as an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. These advanced radar aircraft monitor European airspace from Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany. Other aircraft types are now being assessed as a replacement aircraft capable of carrying out AWACS tasks.