News item | 19-12-2023 | 5:20 PM
Defense purchases cameras and radar systems for oil rigs and wind turbines at sea. The armed forces are also investing in satellite data. With these observation tools, threats to vital infrastructure on the seabed can be identified earlier. Defense is also purchasing 2 new ships for the security of the North Sea. State Secretary Christophe van der Maat informed the House of Representatives of this.
Defense has been making a permanent contribution to identifying threats at sea for six months now. This is done in close cooperation with the Coast Guard. By purchasing these resources, the military organization is strengthening its ISR capacity (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance). This capacity contributes to the deterrence of possible perpetrators of sabotage and espionage.
Satellites
The threat mainly consists of surface ships whose crews carry out unwanted activities underwater. This includes, for example, exploring or damaging oil and gas pipelines or internet cables. It is now a lot more difficult for these types of malicious people to do this unnoticed. Because satellites with a ‘synthetic aperture radar’ also recognize vessels that have switched off their identification system.
Defense monitors the Dutch area of responsibility in the North Sea, but also the area adjacent to it. This also involves cooperation with other countries. Ships that may pose a threat can thus be detected earlier. Defense is purchasing satellite capacity commercially for the time being. From 2027, the armed forces will have their own.
2 new ships
Defense is also purchasing 2 new, relatively simple ships for the security of the North Sea. They will have a small crew and be equipped with sensors and underwater equipment to investigate suspicious situations. The minister will send a letter to the House about these vessels in 2024.
Cooperation
In addition to Defense, other agencies also contribute to the protection of the vital infrastructure in the North Sea. Several ministries work together in the North Sea Infrastructure Protection Program. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has a pioneering role in this.
The Netherlands also collaborates internationally with countries bordering the North Sea. Defense does this within NATO, the Joint Expeditionary Force and the Northern Naval Capability Cooperation. Within the latter context, a research center was recently opened in The Hague with a view to securing submarine infrastructure, the so-called Seabed Security Experimentation Center.