News item | 11-04-2025 | 16:07
Today the Netherlands has promised € 150 million for air defense systems for Ukraine. Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced this during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels. More than 50 countries come together for the coordination of military support for Ukraine.
Brekelmans: “I saw the massive destruction of Russian air strikes again 2 weeks ago in DNIPRO. Innocent citizens and children are targeted every day. These systems save lives and are therefore invaluable for the Ukrainians. With this we also give substance to President Zelenny’s call.”
The systems promised today are I-hawk Systems, a type of air defense for the medium distance. At the delivery, together with the United Kingdom, it is built. During the consultation, Ukraine also explicitly asked for additional support for air defense.
Complete Patriot and F-16s
The Netherlands now also has the last part of 1 complete Patriotsystem supplied. A radar system and launch installations were already delivered earlier. The command center has now also been added, Brekelmans said in Brussels. He points out that Ukraine now needs it harder than ever. Finally, the minister was able to announce that an extra batch of Dutch F-16s has recently been transferred to Ukraine.
High North reinforcement
During the UDCG, the Netherlands and Norway signed a declaration of intent. It states that countries strengthen their cooperation in the field of safety and defense in the far north. Brekelmans and his Norwegian colleague Tore Sandvik want a higher degree of deterrence and stability in the region.
The Netherlands and Norway continue to make an effort to improve cooperation between their armed forces. In addition, they will explore the possibilities for strengthened presence of Dutch troops in Norway.