Netherlands boosts defence budget to address growing global threats

The Netherlands is set to increase its defence budget by over 10% next year, with a substantial investment of 2.4 billion euros ($2.7 billion) aimed at bolstering its military capabilities.

This significant rise will bring the annual defence budget to approximately 24 billion euros, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media sources.

Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized the urgency behind this decision, highlighting new security threats including Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine, which have rendered attacks on NATO allies a real possibility.

"The current global threats necessitate decisive action," Brekelmans stated. He pointed to growing concerns over potential threats from China, Iran, terrorism, and cyberattacks. "We may appear to be living in peace, but we are under constant attack—our digital infrastructure, universities, companies, ports, and power grids are all targets."

Following years of austerity, this budget increase will enable the Netherlands to meet the NATO defense spending benchmark of 2% of GDP for the first time since the threshold was established a decade ago.

The additional funds will be allocated to procuring new military equipment, including tanks for the first time in over a decade, F-35 fighter jets, naval frigates, helicopters, drones, air defence systems, and ammunition.

This move reflects a broader trend of increased military investment in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an initiative the Netherlands has actively supported. The country has been a key contributor to military aid for Ukraine, recently providing F-16 fighter jets and pledging ongoing support for the duration of the conflict.