Netherlands to boost military capabilities in preparation for “large-scale conflict”

The Dutch Ministry of Defence plans to acquire radar systems, armoured vehicles, and specialised hospital trains, officials say.

The Netherlands is set to expand its military capabilities in preparation for a potential “large-scale conflict,” the acting State Secretary for Defence, Gijs Tuinman, has informed parliament, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

In a letter to lawmakers, Tuinman outlined plans for the acquisition of radar systems to secure the North Sea, armoured vehicles, and specialised trains configured as mobile hospitals for the transportation of casualties.

“Large-scale conflicts always involve significant numbers of wounded,” Tuinman explained, highlighting the rationale for the new hospital trains, which will complement the current reliance on road ambulances and air medical evacuation.

The Defence Ministry further stated that armoured Wisent 2 vehicles, based on the Leopard 2 tank and sourced from Germany, will be used for repairing and evacuating damaged equipment under fire. Radar systems for the navy will be supplied by an unnamed Dutch manufacturer and are intended to protect oil and gas platforms, underwater pipelines, wind farms, and communication cables.

Earlier this month, the Russian Embassy in The Hague said it would take note of the Netherlands’ efforts to enhance and legitimise military and intelligence capabilities, including offensive capacities, when shaping Russia’s own military-political strategy. The embassy suggested that, under the banner of countering “hybrid threats,” the Netherlands is in practice legitimising significant offensive capabilities.

On January 30, leaders of the Netherlands’ newly forming coalition government – comprising the left-liberal Democrats 66, the Christian Democrats, and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy – unveiled a coalition agreement.

It foresees annual support for Ukraine of €3 billion over the next three years and aims to raise defence spending to NATO’s target of 3.5% of GDP. Spending on social benefits, healthcare, and elderly care is expected to be reduced to accommodate the increase in military outlay.

By Aghakazim Guliyev