Netherlands to Boost Defence Spending

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – The Netherlands will increase defence spending by more than 10% next year, bringing investment in new tanks, fighter jets, frigates, and air defense systems to strengthen its military amid emerging security threats.

Defence spending will rise by 2.4 billion euros ($2.7 billion), leading to an annual budget of around 24 billion euros, as announced on Thursday.

“New threats demand action. Russia’s ruthless aggression in Ukraine shows an attack on the NATO alliance is no longer unthinkable,” stated Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

He highlighted potential threats from China, Iran, terrorism, and cyberattacks. “It may seem we live in peace, but that’s no longer the case,” he emphasized during a presentation at a military base in Amersfoort.

“We are being attacked daily. Our digital systems, universities, companies, ports, and electricity grids are under threat. We are being spied on continuously, and the number of attacks is growing.”

After years of budget cuts, this increase positions Dutch defence spending to meet the 2% of GDP NATO target for the first time since the threshold was established a decade ago.

The additional budget will equip the army with tanks for the first time in over a decade and will finance the purchase of F-35 fighter jets, new navy frigates, helicopters, drones, air defense systems, and ammunition.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Netherlands has been ramping up military spending after years of austerity that weakened its armed forces.

The country has been a key proponent of military support for Ukraine, being one of the first to supply F-16 fighter jets in recent months.

Brekelmans confirmed that the Netherlands would continue its military support for Ukraine for as long as necessary.

($1 = 0.9011 euros)