The Dutch Armed Forces are embarking on a major modernisation process with 17 separate equipment projects to be implemented in the coming years. This comprehensive plan aims to significantly increase the country’s defence capabilities and reinforce its role as a reliable NATO ally.
According to the document called “Letter A” submitted to the parliament by the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the total budget allocated for these 17 projects is projected to be at least 1,45 billion euros (1,65 billion dollars), even at the lower end of the range determined for each project. This investment clearly shows the serious intention of the Netherlands in the field of defense and the importance it attaches to modernization.
Dutch Defense Minister Gijs Tuinman emphasized that the timing of this modernization drive is critical, saying, “It is crucial that the Defense Ministry has the necessary defense equipment in time to increase our deterrence and become a reliable NATO ally. With this omnibus letter A, the Defense Ministry is taking the next step towards greater flexibility and less internal bureaucracy in the procurement process.”
The Netherlands’ defense budget is also being increased to support these modernization efforts. The 21,4 defense budget, which was 2025 billion euros last year, has been increased to 22 billion euros. This increase can be considered a concrete indicator of the importance the country attaches to defense spending.
Naval Forces Are Getting Stronger: Torpedo Defense Systems
A key part of the modernisation plan is the strengthening of the Dutch Navy. The country plans to equip its future frigates, submarines and new landing dock ships (LPDs) with so-called “hard-kill” active defence systems to protect them against various threats such as unmanned submarine vehicles (UAVs) and torpedoes.
In this context, according to Defense Minister Tuinman, the first platforms to be equipped with the anti-torpedo torpedo (ATT) system will be anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates. The development process of these systems will continue until 2028 within the framework of the European Union’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). The Netherlands aims to acquire a qualified torpedo countermeasure system starting in 2029, when the first new ASW frigate is planned to enter service. In this context, the potential procurement of advanced anti-torpedo torpedoes such as the SeaSpider may be on the agenda.
Land Forces in Large-Scale Procurement
The Dutch Land Forces are also heavily involved in the modernisation plans. The army plans to procure an estimated 250-1 tracked armoured vehicles for use by infantry brigades in various roles such as logistics, command and control, ambulance, fortification and transport, with a budget of between 100 million and 150 billion euros.
Although Minister Tuinman did not provide any details about the model to be purchased, it is known that the Netherlands’ 43rd Mechanized Brigade already operates Leopard 2 tanks and the BAE Systems Hägglunds-made CV90 armored combat vehicle. The existence of an armored personnel carrier (APC) variant of the CV90 means that the platform could also serve as the basis for other turretless variants. This raises the possibility that the CV90 family could play a significant role in the Netherlands’ future procurement of tracked armored vehicles.
The Dutch Army’s modernization list also includes replacing the current Colt C7 infantry rifle and C8 carbine. Although these current infantry rifles have been modernized since 2009, they will reach the end of their technical life in 2030. The Dutch Ministry of Defense is therefore aiming to deliver the first deliveries of the new generation infantry rifles before the end of the next decade. This change aims to increase the firepower of Dutch infantry units and their adaptability to modern warfare.
In conclusion, this comprehensive modernisation drive of the Dutch Armed Forces aims to significantly improve the country’s defence capabilities and further strengthen its role in NATO. Significant investments in naval and land forces will increase the Netherlands’ effectiveness in regional and global security.
