Netherlands Orders 2 additional Frigates, 6 more helicopters to ‘prepare for the worst’

The plan got here to mild within the “2024 Protection Memorandum” launched on September fifth. The doc could also be downloaded in full at this link.

The Dutch MoD introduces the doc within the following method: “There’s battle on the European continent and unrest on the planet. The Netherlands also can turn out to be concerned in an armed battle. That’s the reason we should strengthen the armed forces extra rapidly. By getting ready ourselves properly, we discourage the opponent. And we are able to battle if crucial. To defend the territory of the Netherlands and allies. How we do that is described on this Defence Memorandum.”

The “2024 Defence Memorandum” lays out 4 situations that the Netherlands might face:

1. Assault on NATO
2. A mixture of shadowy assaults utilizing army and non-military means
3. Conflicts between China and neighbouring international locations result in battle between China and the US
4. Unrest and battle on the sides of Europe and the Kingdom

The Dutch MoD explains that “These situations have critical penalties for the safety of the Netherlands, however they’ll additionally happen concurrently and reinforce one another. The best hazard is that shadowy, elusive assaults will result in a Russian assault on NATO, which can instantly contain the Netherlands in a battle, whereas tensions are concurrently rising on the sides of Europe and/or within the Indo-Pacific. The Netherlands and Defence should subsequently put together for the worst and rapidly strengthen the armed forces and improve resilience.”

As a consequence, the Dutch authorities has determined to allotted a further 2.4 billion euros for the Dutch army. The Dutch military will obtain 46 new Leopard 2A8 MBT (with an choice for six extra), the RNLAF will obtain 6 extra F-35A fighters and the RNLN will obtain 2 further Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates (ASWF – bringing the whole to 4 within the fleet) and 6 extra NH90 NFH helicopters (bringing the whole to 25). A number of the funding will even go to personnel (to enhance recruitment and retention) in addition to to the Dutch protection trade.

Concerning the extra gear for the Royal Netherlands Navy, the doc reads:

Within the maritime area, the renewal of the fleet has already been initiated in recent times. So as to be extra deployable and for longer, extra ships and maritime helicopters are wanted. Because of the elevated risk, the Netherlands and NATO even have a better want for cover in opposition to underwater threats, together with anti-submarine warfare and the safety of undersea infrastructure in deeper water.

The variety of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates within the fleet is being expanded. It will allow the navy to raised meet NATO’s demand for the long-term and extra sustainable implementation of NATO’s duties and operational plans. It will allow structural and long-term deployment of frigates throughout a number of axes, for instance for frequent anti-submarine warfare in European seas, on the Atlantic Ocean and within the Arctic, for deployment within the Indo-Pacific or for duties resembling defence in opposition to ballistic and cruise missiles or finishing up precision assaults. In buying this capability, alternatives for innovation and unmanned elements are included.

Defence can also be buying further NH-90 helicopters for the maritime helicopter fleet. The assist of maritime and amphibious (fight) operations is thus strengthened and the long-term deployment of ships with an on-board helicopter could be mixed with quick operations with helicopter assist by marines from the ship.

The submit Netherlands Orders 2 additional Frigates, 6 more helicopters to ‘prepare for the worst’ appeared first on Naval News.