Gov't pushing €2.4 billion extra into Defense; Buying more F-35s, frigates, helicopters

The government is structurally investing 2.4 billion euros in Defense, sources told NOS and RTL Nieuws based on the Defense memorandum that will be published on Thursday. Among other things, that money will go toward equipment like tanks and fighter jets.

According to the sources, the Netherlands will start purchasing its own Leopard 2 tanks again after these were cut from the budget 13 years ago. Defense will also get additional F-35 fighter jets, anti-submarine frigates (ASW), and maritime combat helicopters (NH-90).

Defense will also purchase a lot of ammunition. And the Koninklijke Marechaussee, a policing force that works as part of the Dutch military and is responsible for border security, will be strengthened.

In recent years, the Netherlands has structurally increased its investments in Defense to meet the NATO standard, stating that 2 percent of a member’s gross domestic product (GDP) should go towards its armed forces.