The Dutch government announced this Wednesday that it will make the largest investment in defense since the Cold War, allocating more than 5,000 million euros to the sector from 2026 to curb global threats, such as the war in Ukraine.
The Dutch Defense Minister, Kajsa Ollongren, explained that “threats in the world and the war in Ukraine showed that peace and security cannot be taken for granted“, emphasizing that the Government wants to “build agile Armed Forces prepared for the future”.
At the insistence of the Dutch Parliament due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the government took the decision to add a total of 14.8 billion euros to the Defense budget between 2022 and 2025, allowing the country to meet the standard of NATO to allocate 2% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the sector in 2024 and 2025.
As of 2026, the budget will grow structurally by five billion euroswhich represents “a large investment, around 40% of the current structural budget”.
Kajsa Ollongren called it “the largest investment since the Cold War,” noting that many allies also plan to increase their defense budgets to “protect freedom, security and prosperity” for all.
The Dutch minister stressed that strengthening cooperation will make the Netherlands “stronger and Europe safer”.
“The defense must be present when necessary to defend Dutch and European security interests. This requires heavy investment in the Armed Forces, with trained members and equipment. It is not only about making up for big delays, but also about specifically modernizing, renovating and strengthening,” he added.
The military force will be reinforced with the purchase of, among others, six additional F35 fighters (leaving a total of 52 fighters), four MQ-9 Reapers unmanned aerial vehicles (‘drones’) (eight in total) and long-range missiles . range for frigates and submarines.
The Ministry also promised to invest in personnel, with improvements in working conditions in order to be able to recruit new soldiers and retain those who are being trained.
Source: Observadora
