The Netherlands is set to enhance its military capabilities by reestablishing a tank battalion, acquiring additional F-35 fighter jets, and incorporating anti-submarine frigates, as the NATO member aims to develop a more credible defense force to deter potential aggressions.

The Dutch government has announced an increase in defense expenditure by €2.4 billion (approximately U.S.$2.65 billion) annually, which includes an additional €1.5 billion allocated specifically for enhancing “combat power.

” This initiative will elevate the nation’s defense budget to around €24 billion per year, nearly doubling the amount spent on defense in 2022. In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the defense strategy emphasizes the necessity to prepare for scenarios where Russia might target NATO allies such as Lithuania or Poland. State Secretary of Defence Gijs Tuinman highlighted the need for the Netherlands to be equipped for a war of necessity, contrasting it with the “wars of choice” experienced in recent decades.

Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans remarked, “The blatant aggression indicates that an attack on the NATO alliance is now a plausible scenario.” He stressed the urgency for the Netherlands to enhance its security measures, deter adversaries, secure NATO’s external borders, and avert further conflict in Europe.

Brekelmans pointed out that while the Netherlands may appear peaceful, it is actually situated in a “gray zone” characterized by neither peace nor war, facing ongoing cyberattacks on its digital infrastructure, businesses, ports, and power grids, along with persistent espionage. He emphasized that the Dutch must be prepared to defend their territory rather than selectively engage in global conflicts.

“This represents a significant transformation,” stated Dutch Chief of Defence Otto Eichelsheim. “It marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Dutch armed forces, necessitating a fundamentally new approach. Rather than meticulously planning every mission, our military and civilian personnel must adapt to a more dynamic operational environment.”