A look at the Defence news 12 – 18 January
Security in the Arctic - including Greenland - is a strategic priority for all NATO allies. Accordingly, the Netherlands, together with NATO allies, conducted a reconnaissance mission in Greenland to evaluate the feasibility of a future NATO-led military exercise in the High North.
The reconnaissance was led by Denmark. The Netherlands Defence organisation sent two Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) officers who have now completed their work and returned home.
Minister Brekelmans visits family and victims of Hawija
In the Iraqi city of Hawija, Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans spoke with relatives and victims affected by a Dutch airstrike in 2015 that targeted an ISIS car bomb factory.
The government maintains that the strike was a lawful act of self-defence against a terrorist organisation, but it deeply regrets the unintended civilian casualties and extensive damage it caused. On behalf of the government, there were public apologies last year, and the minister reiterated his commitment to convey that apology in Hawija in person.
Following the findings of the Sorgdrager Committee, Brekelmans made an extra €10 million available for additional projects. The Netherlands had previously funded reconstruction projects.
Change of command after several Arctic operations
After a year of command over Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), it was time for the Royal Netherlands Navy to step down. In Den Helder, Commodore Arjen Warnaar passed the baton to rear admiral Joaquin Excagedo of the Spanish navy. During Warnaar's command, SNMG1 played an important role in the High North, where conditions are challenging.