Defence ministry to buy more fire power, support services: Telegraaf

An F35 flies over the Netherlands. Photo: Defensie.nl
An F35 flies over the Netherlands. Photo: Defensie.nl

The extra defence spending confirmed by the government in its coalition accord and spring statement will go on expanding fire power and boosting support services, the Telegraaf reported on Monday.

The defence ministry is to get a further €5 billion a year, in order to bring spending up to Nato recommended levels. The paper said some half of the total will go on cruise missiles, extra F35 jet fights, expanding the Patriot air defence system and a new rocket system.

Sources told broadcaster NOS that six additional F35s are on the shopping list, in addition to the 46 already on order. The armed forces will also get a further four Reaper drones, doubling the current total. MPs recently passed a motion which would allow the drones to be armed.

The rest of the money will go on support services, such as logistics and medics. This, the Telegraaf said, is needed to make sure that the armed forces are again capable of carrying out training exercises and military missions at the same time.

Defence minister Kasja Ollongren is due to present her plans on Wednesday.

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