Netherlands Increases Defence Spending to Address New Threats, According to Reuters

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – The Netherlands is set to boost its defense spending by over 10% next year, allocating funds for new tanks, fighter jets, frigates, and air defense systems in response to emerging security threats, the Dutch government announced.

The planned increase will amount to 2.4 billion euros (approximately $2.7 billion), bringing the annual defense budget to around 24 billion euros, as stated in an announcement on Thursday.

“New threats require decisive action. Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine demonstrate that an attack on the NATO alliance is now a distinct possibility,” said Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

He also highlighted concerns about potential threats from China, Iran, terrorism, and cyberattacks to Dutch national security.

“It may appear that we live in peace, but that is no longer the reality,” he remarked during the presentation of the plans at a military base in Amersfoort. “We are under constant attack—our digital systems, universities, businesses, ports, and electricity grids are vulnerable to continuous spying and increasing cyber threats.”

Following years of budget constraints, the additional funding will enable the Netherlands to meet the NATO guideline of allocating 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to defense for the first time since this target was established a decade ago.

The new budget will allow the army to procure tanks for the first time in over ten years, along with purchasing F-35 fighter jets, new naval frigates, helicopters, drones, air defense systems, and ammunition.

Since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Netherlands has been increasing its military expenditure after a prolonged period of cuts that had severely reduced its military capabilities. The country has also been a key contributor to military assistance for Ukraine, being among the first nations to supply F-16 fighter jets.

Brekelmans affirmed that the Netherlands would maintain its military support for Ukraine for as long as necessary.