News item | 23-04-2025 | 18:10
Maritime unimportant systems, armored caterpillar vehicles and upgrades of helicopters and simulators. These are 3 out of 17 projects for new equipment that are prioritized from Defense. State Secretary Gijs Tuinman informs the House of Representatives about this today.
Europe has been confronted with another geopolitical reality in recent months. The security relationship with the United States is changing and Europe must take more responsibility. For the necessary deterrence, the Ministry of Defense must have the required equipment on time.
Defense makes her need for new equipment known early. In this way, industry is able to guarantee production and security of supply. This is expected to lead to more maneuverability and less bureaucracy. This may fulfill the needs faster and it increases production and security of delivery.
Maritime unimportant systems
1 of 17 The projects is the purchase of maritime unimportant systems. This enables the Navy to map and explore unknown areas. The systems also give a picture of potentially dangerous contacts at greater distances. In addition, they contribute to the fight against submarine. Staff do not run a risk here. It concerns both flying and sailing systems. They are used from naval ships. This happens, among other things, with maritime combat operations and attack operations in the coastal area.
New armored caterpillar vehicles
Defense also purchases 100 to 150 armored caterpillar vehicles for the army faster. They reinforce units of the heavy infantry brigade. The Ministry of Defense demands that they are well moving over difficult to access and offer staff sufficient protection. They must also be easy to operate and maintain and reliable and suitable for combat operations. Defense wants this Single Source acquire. That means that the systems are already known and previously purchased at the Ministry of Defense. This ensures that contracting and delivered can be done quickly.
Modernization helicopters and simulators
28 Apache AH-64E combat helicopters and 20 Chinook Transport helicopters receive an update. This happens between 2027 and 2032. This includes better self -protection and armament. For example, a so -called mini tun is installed in the Chinook. The current weapon is not sufficient for the current threat. In addition, the software and hardware in both types of helicopters are adjusted.
Simulators must approach reality as well as possible. The various software updates of the helicopters are therefore also implemented therein.