Military contribution to NATO

That is part of the Netherlands armed forces’ first main task: to protect our own territory and that of our NATO allies.

Allied defence

At present, the allied defence mainly consists of bolstering the deterrence against Russia and of reassuring NATO member states in the east.

The Dutch troops, like those from other countries that are members of NATO, are organised according to NATO’s New Force Model (NFM). The NFM ensures that all NATO territory can be properly defended from attack. Through the NFM, the entire Netherlands armed forces are part of the NATO plans to defend the alliance.

Dutch NATO deployments in 2025

The specific military capabilities that the Netherlands contributes to NATO every year include ships, aircraft and units of the Royal Netherlands Army.

The Netherlands sends these additional military capabilities when NATO requests them. However, that only happens following a decision to that effect by NATO’s North Atlantic Council, and only if all member states agree. That means that a request is only made if the Netherlands has approved the decision.

• NATO fleet SNMG1
  The Netherlands contributes a frigate with an NH90 helicopter on board. Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) is one of NATO’s permanent maritime response forces.
• NATO fleet SNMCMG1
  The Netherlands contributes a minehunter to the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1).
• NATO airspace operations
  • Benelux
    As part of NATO air policing, the Netherlands alternates with Belgium on a quarterly basis in guarding Benelux airspace. Fighter aircraft are on standby 24/7 to intercept unidentified aircraft. This task is called the quick reaction alert task.
  • eVA Roemenia
    The Netherlands takes part in the enhanced Vigilance Activities (eVA) in Romania with remotely piloted aircraft. Our contribution consists of three MQ-9 Reapers and approximately 140 personnel, more than half of which work from the Netherlands.
• Multinational Battle Group Lithuania
  Since February 2017, the Netherlands has been contributing approximately 250 military personnel to NATO’s Multinational Battle Group (formerly eFP) in Lithuania. This mandate will remain in force until the end of 2026. Since 2022, the Netherlands has been contributing up to 350 military personnel. This military presence is intended as a deterrence and as reassure for the Lithuanian population.
• NMI Iraq
  The Netherlands contributes to the NATO mission in Iraq (NMI). NMI aims to bolster security and stability in Iraq and reduce the threat of terrorism. The mission has been under Dutch command since June 2024, until mid-June 2025. A force protection unit provides security for advisers in and around Baghdad. Until April, Dutch transport helicopters transported NATO advisers, military units and goods.