The Netherlands’ defense ministry unveiled an ambitious plan to modernise the country’s military, announcing substantial investments to purchase additional F-35 fighter jets and re-establish a Dutch tank battalion. The move aims to counter growing global threats. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands and other NATO members have been urgently reassessing their military capabilities.
State Secretary for Defence, Gijs Tuinman, described the white paper detailing these investments as “the most ambitious military agenda in modern Dutch history.” The plan includes an additional €2.4 billion annually, bringing the defense budget to €24 billion.
This increase comes just weeks before former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is set to become the NATO chief. The funding aims to keep the Netherlands’ defense spending above NATO’s guideline of 2% of GDP.
Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans stood alongside Tuinman, expressing confidence in the steps being taken towards a future-ready military. NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah praised the announcement, highlighting its significance for both the Netherlands and NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities. Currently, 23 NATO members meet or exceed the 2% defence spending target, with overall spending on the rise.
The #Netherlands will increase its defense spending by more than 10 percent in the coming years, investing in new tanks, fighter jets, frigates and air defense systems in a push to strengthen its forces after years of austerity, the Dutch government says.https://t.co/IjBWHw02AM
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) September 5, 2024
The white paper identifies various threats to Dutch and NATO security, spanning from Eastern Europe to the Middle and Far East. It notes that while Russia seeks direct confrontation, China poses a more subtle but persistent challenge to the international legal order.
The Netherlands had phased out its own tanks over a decade ago, though it remains part of a joint tank battalion with Germany. Besides tanks and F-35 jets, the plan also includes acquiring new anti-submarine frigates and advanced naval weapons systems.
Dick Zandzee, head of the Security & Defence Programme at the Clingendael Institute, commended the white paper. He noted that it addresses many of NATO’s identified capability gaps, although he mentioned the lack of plans to increase the number of army battalions to NATO standards. The Netherlands currently has two battalions, while NATO recommends four. Zandzee pointed out that this shortfall is due to personnel shortages rather than funding.
The white paper also focuses on recruiting and training defence personnel. Dutch Defense Chief Gen. Onno Eichelsheim emphasised the need for readiness and endurance, requiring increased supplies, support, and manpower.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AP News reports that the Netherlands is “future-proofing” its military by investing in additional F-35 fighter jets, reinstating a tank battalion, and acquiring new anti-submarine frigates, as part of its efforts to enhance defense capabilities amidst escalating global threats. (read more)
- KTVZ reports that the Dutch government is future-proofing its military in an increasingly volatile world, including investments in F-35 fighter jets and the return of a Dutch tank battalion. (read more)
- The Seattle PI provides an overview of the Dutch government’s efforts to modernise its military, focusing on the phasing out of tanks and the joint tank battalion with Germany. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the Netherlands’ plan for future-proofing their military?
The plan includes buying more F-35 jets, re-establishing a tank battalion, and investing in navy weapons systems.
How much extra funding will the Netherlands allocate to their defense budget?
An extra 2.4 billion euros per year, bringing the annual defense budget to 24 billion euros.
Why is the Netherlands increasing its military spending?
The increase aims to address expanding threats and ensure the Netherlands meets NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending guideline.
What shortfall did the white paper fail to address according to Dick Zandzee?
The white paper did not address increasing the number of army battalions to NATO levels.
How does the Netherlands plan to address personnel shortages in the military?
The white paper calls for major investments in recruiting and training defense personnel.
