The Netherlands has once again extended the deployment of its MQ-9 Reapers operating from Romania. The unmanned aircraft will now contribute to the defence of the eastern flank of the NATO treaty area until 31 December 2027.
Previously, the deployment had already been extended until the end of this month.
Defence joins NATO allies in Greenland
Over the past three weeks, Defence personnel took part in Exercise Arctic Shield in Greenland. Forty Dutch marines and their light vessels were involved in the exercise, in addition to over 400 military personnel from 10 countries. Exercise Arctic Shield was part of the NATO mission Arctic Sentry and was held to demonstrate the alliance's military presence in the Arctic to Russia and China.
HNLMS Evertsen on its way to the Middle East
Last Sunday, air defence and command frigate HNLMS Evertsen set sail for the Middle East, where it will remain for more than three months. The ship will take over the duties of HNLMS De Ruyter, which recently returned to the naval base in Den Helder. HNLMS Evertsen is to accommodate an international staff on board, capable of leading the military mission in the Strait of Hormuz.