This is stated in the Defense Memorandum 2022 that was presented on Wednesday by Defense Minister Ollongren and the Commander of the Armed Forces Onno Eichelsheim. The memorandum describes a complex of investments – in equipment, support and personnel – that should strengthen the armed forces.
With that goal, Defense will receive an additional 14.8 billion euros in the years 2022 to 2025 and the Netherlands will meet the NATO standard of 2 percent of gross domestic product in 2024 and 2025. From 2026, the budget will grow structurally by 5 billion euros. “A huge investment of about 40 percent of our current structural budget,” said Defense.
A selection of the measures: the stocks of ammunition, fuel and equipment will be increased; the working conditions for staff are improved; the firepower on land, sea and in the air is increased. At sea, this is done with long-range missiles for frigates and submarines. In addition, a battalion of the 11th Airmobile Brigade is being transformed into a support unit for special operations forces. A helicopter unit is also being set up for these elite units. In addition to the additional F-35s, the number of unmanned reconnaissance aircraft (MQ-9 Reaper) is doubled to eight, and these Reapers are armed. In addition, the entire fleet will receive more modern weapons.
European sauce
Although it is mainly NATO that is responsible for the defense of allied territory against external threats and aggression, the defense memorandum is doused with a European sauce. ‘Europe must be able to take more responsibility for its own security’, the memorandum states. ‘By jointly purchasing and maintaining new capabilities, the Defense organization can collaborate better with international partners and purchase smarter.’
One of the specialisms that the Netherlands is focusing on is defense against the ‘rapidly increasing’ air and missile threat. Defense is therefore strengthening its missile defense (Integrated Air and Missile Defence, IAMD) on land, at sea and in the air. Defense: ‘For example, an integrated system is being developed that connects fighter aircraft, radar systems, Air Command and Control and space capabilities to frigates, submarines and ground-based air defense systems. This not only provides better protection for the Netherlands, but also for NATO territory.’