News item | 19-06-2025 | 09:10
The Ministry of Defense is structurally investing € 1.1 billion extra in, among other things, combat power on land. For example, the army sets up a new armored infantry battalion. There are also extra investments in drones, transport and the medical chain. Minister Ruben Brekelmans and State Secretary Gijs Tuinman report this to the Lower House today. The cabinet had already announced this amount at the Spring Memorandum. It is now also known what it is spent on.
The threat from Russia and the unrest in the world are increasing. NATO explicitly warns of a possible military conflict within a few years. To prevent this, the Netherlands invests heavily in the armed forces. The Spring Memorandum stated the Cabinet Decree to invest more than € 1 billion extra in Defense.
The money is necessary because European allies, including the Netherlands, have to take more responsibility in the military field. In addition, it is important to use it faster and over a longer period of time.
Fighting power and drones
To make the required contribution to NATO as the Netherlands, € 425 million is invested in combat power. That is why the army sets up an extra leopard infantry battalion, with combat vehicles and all associated agents such as air defense. Investments are also being made in real estate and digitization.
Furthermore, € 125 million is intended for combat support with drones and the fight against it. Drones now play a crucial role in modern warfare. The Ministry of Defense therefore purchases more attack drones, reconnaissance systems and drug protection against drone attacks.
Longer operational deployment
The Ministry of Defense takes € 83 million to maintain operational deployment longer. With the Defensienota 2024, considerably investments have been made in operational support, such as Transport and the Medical Chain. Now this is further strengthened.
Armed forces
The Netherlands needs a larger and scalable armed forces. This is important to contribute more to NATO and take responsibility for national tasks when there is rising tension. That is why € 80 million is invested in scaling up the armed forces and in staff and training.
€ 420 million has been reserved for currency frames, wage adjustment and maintaining plans. The money for rising costs and exchange rates is to prevent the Ministry of Defense from having to make concessions to the quality or quantity of equipment. With regard to the wage adjustment, the Ministry of Defense takes into account the expected market developments and the compensation for military and civilian personnel.