Netherlands to increase defence spending

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans has said that the Dutch government plans to increase defence spending in response to escalating security threats, with additional 716 million euros ($760 million) allocated for these purposes.

"Due to the growing threats, the government will invest additional 716 million euros in air defence, innovations, the ability to deploy troops for extended periods, and our national security," the minister said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Brekelmans noted that this move will help align the Netherlands' defence spending with NATO standards, which require defence expenditure to be at least 2 per cent of GDP.   The Dutch Ministry of Defense has announced plans to increase military spending in response to growing security threats. According to a statement on the ministry's website, the Netherlands will allocate 105 million euros ($111 million) to purchase additional Patriot and NASAMS launch systems, air-defence missiles, and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.

Some 117 million euros ($124 million) will be dedicated to integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the Dutch armed forces, particularly in EW and communication systems. Some 151 million euros ($160 million) will go toward strengthening border control and the Royal Military Police.   The largest portion of the increase, 343 million euros ($364 million), will be directed towards enhancing operational readiness, improving the deployment efficiency of armed forces, and replenishing ammunition reserves.

By Naila Huseynova