Current missions

Lithuania (eFP)

Defence is contributing to the enhanced Forward Presence, the reinforced NATO military presence in Lithuania. 270 Dutch military personnel are posted to a multinational battlegroup. The battalion that the Netherlands is part of is under German command and is stationed in Rukla. NATO decided to send extra military personnel to the eastern European border in response to the alarming actions by Russia. It is one of the ‘reassurance measures’ in place for the eastern European Allies.

Iraq

The Netherlands contributes to various missions that are being conducted in Iraq. The objective is to strengthen the country’s security sector, in order to enable Iraq to resist the ISIS terrorist organisation and other threats.

Bahrein (CMF)

A total of 39 countries take part in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) mission. CMF has a headquarters in Bahrain, to which a number of Dutch officers are deployed. The mission comprises four Coalition Task Forces (CTF150, 151, 152 and 153) in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean.

De CTFs:

• combat terrorism and monitor security at sea (CTF 150)
• combat piracy (CTF 151);
• monitor security in the Persian Gulf (CTF 152);
• strengthen maritime security in the Red Sea (CFT 153).

Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH)

The Netherlands contributes a number of staff officers to the European Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH) mission. The Netherlands is participating in the EMASoH mission to help enforce the international right of freedom of navigation and transit through the Strait of Hormuz and is thus assisting in the promotion of the international rule of law.

Israel (USSC)

The Netherlands contributes five military personnel to the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah. USSC focuses on professionalising the Palestinian security sector. The mission improves the functioning of the Palestinian Authority's security services and Presidential Guard and seeks to contribute to the viability of a stable Palestinian state.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea)

The European Force Althea (EUFOR Althea) is committed to ensuring political and social stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim is to reduce the likelihood of a new armed conflict. Until the beginning of October 2024, the Netherlands contributed an infantry company of 150 marines to ensure security and improve the capability of the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A number of Dutch staff officers and a small National Support Element team are still present in the area to contribute to the EUFOR Althea mission headquarters.

Lebanon, Syria and Israel (UNTSO)

The United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) monitors whether the agreed demarcation lines between Lebanon, Syria and Israel are being observed. UNTSO operates in the same area as UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) and, in southern Lebanon, as UNIFIL (United Nations International Force In Lebanon). The Netherlands supplies 12 military personnel for participation in this mission.

Africa (GPOI)

In Togo, four Dutch service members contribute to the US-led Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) training mission. The programme increases the capabilities of 25 African nations through instruction and training to enable them to carry out peace missions in Africa (under a UN and African Union mandate).

Eastern flank of NATO territory

The Netherlands monitors the airspace of the eastern flank of NATO territory by means of fighter aircraft. It does so in rotation with 16 other NATO allies under the name Air Policing (AP).

The RNLAF gathers information on the eastern flank of NATO territory by means of three Dutch MQ-9 Reapers operating in Romania. Some 40 Dutch military personnel are stationed at a military base in the Romanian municipality of Luna. They maintain and monitor the unmanned aircraft and the required signals. Flying the Reapers and the processing of the information collected is done from Leeuwarden Air Base and involves some 100 military personnel.

Red Sea

The Netherlands is contributing to the EU's Operation Aspides, which aims to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The Royal Netherlands Navy logistical support and supply ship HNLMS Karel Doorman refuels other ships and provides medical capability in the area.

The Netherlands also supplies staff officers to various operations concerning maritime security in the Red Sea.

Other deployments

Dutch military personnel are posted to the headquarters of various missions on a rotational basis. Furthermore, there are NATO assurance measures in place on the eastern flank of NATO territory that involve the deployment of Dutch military personnel on a rotational basis.