In light of the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, it was decided that all Dutch military personnel and civilian experts deployed to NATO Mission Iraq are to return to the Netherlands.
Cold Response 2026: successful and informative
Last week, NATO successfully concluded Exercise Cold Response. The Royal Netherlands Navy was one of the major participants in the training exercise in the High North. During the exercise, the Dutch Amphibious Task Force achieved certification as a NATO Allied Response Force, an important milestone for the unit. The Netherlands Marine Corps’ new way of operating was also tested during the exercise.
Minehunters "attacked" by drones, boats and aircraft in NATO exercise
During NATO's Exercise MCM Baltic, drones, boats and aircraft launched mock attacks on NATO vessels, the Dutch minehunter HNLMS Schiedam among them. The ships' crews fought off the “attackers”, while also continuing minehunting duties. During the exercise, held in the Baltic Sea, NATO navy vessels were faced with an asymmetric threat, involving threats from the air and from under water. The purpose of the exercise, which concluded last week, was for NATO naval forces to operate in a multinational environment with the emphasis on minehunting.
King visits Dutch naval assets in the Caribbean
Last week, King Willem‑Alexander visited Savaneta Marine Barracks on Aruba and the Royal Netherlands Navy's guard ship in the Caribbean. The King's visit was part of a broader working visit to Curaçao and Aruba.
Defence takes next step in uncrewed air systems
The Ministry of Defence is taking a new step in its participation in the American knowledge and innovation programme for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, an initiative to develop uncrewed air systems. Defence plans to sign a Letter of Acceptance to this end. Netherlands State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk informed the House of Representatives accordingly last week.