The Netherlands announces billions of dollars in defense investments

The Dutch government on Thursday, September 5, announced an increase in defense spending by 2.4 billion euros to meet NATO requirements and strengthen the country's security amid “ruthless Russian aggression.”

This is stated in a statement by the country's Ministry of Defense.

In a published memorandum on defense, the Dutch authorities announced that the country's total defense budget for 2024 will increase by 2.4 billion euros to 24 billion euros, the government announced in its annual defense memorandum.

As noted, this step will ensure that the Netherlands meets NATO standards for defense spending.

“The army will receive tanks again, the air force will receive additional F-35 aircraft, and the navy can count on additional frigates for anti-submarine warfare,” the Dutch Defense Ministry added.

The additional defense spending will mainly be used to strengthen the Dutch Armed Forces. At the same time, an additional 260 million euros will be spent on recruiting and training personnel, the statement said.

“Russia's ruthless aggression in Ukraine shows that an attack on the NATO alliance is no longer unthinkable,” commented Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

He added that by increasing defense spending, the Netherlands is taking an “important step” to prevent such an attack, as “the best way to prevent war is to keep potential adversaries at bay.”

According to the latest NATO estimates, the Netherlands will spend 2.05% of GDP on defense in 2024.

Author - Olena Madiak, 05/09/2024