News item | 13-02-2025 | 17:18
Minister Ruben Brekelmans was today at the NATO meeting of Defense Ministers in Brussels. There he had a meeting with the new American defense minster Pete Hegseeth. Furthermore, Brekelmans with civil servants signed declarations of intent, for example in the field of air defense.
Hegseeth Had a clear message for the European countries. They have to do more for safety on their continent, so that the United States can focus more on China.
Brekelmans: “The task is clear. European allies have to do more to guarantee our safety and to deter Russia. Faster scaling up the defense industry is crucial here. We have to do everything we can to increase our production capacity. “
Defense Investment Pledge
Brekelmans and Hegseeth spoke, among other things, about the defense industry and the expenditure standard, the Defense Investment Pledge. Brekelmans emphasized that the Netherlands has significantly increased the investments in Defense. At the same time, he acknowledged that the increasing safety threats require even more efforts.
The minister also met his new Belgian colleague Theo Francken. The Netherlands and Belgium are traditionally loyal partners and in particular the Navy collaboration is very intensive. Both ministers are looking forward to further strengthening cooperation.
Support for Ukraine
It is important that all allies maintain the long -term support for Ukraine. The Netherlands is a leader and spent more than € 3 billion on it last year.
Minister Brekelmans spoke with fellow ministers of the Air Force Capability Coalition For Ukraine. Due to the massive Russian air strikes, Ukraine urgently needs the reinforcement of the Air Force. The country recently has a new batch of Dutch F-16s.
Brekelmans: “We must continue to deliver the total package, including spare parts, ammunition and training. This is necessary to leave the F-16s in the air and to help modernize Ukrainian Air Force. ”
Dates
The allies further agreed to set up a forum for information exchange about air and rocket defense. In addition, they will investigate the possibilities for cooperation in the field of so -called passive air survey. This concerns sensors and systems that detect and follow air objects without actively broadcasting signals.