The Dutch armed forces must accelerate their readiness for possible deployment, the Netherlands’ highest-ranking military officer has warned in an internal message to all military personnel and defence staff.

Onno Eichelsheim, commander of the armed forces, said Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine was the immediate reason for the call to action. “Russia is testing our alertness, studying our preparedness and assessing our readiness,” Eichelsheim said. “The threat is increasing.”

In the message, addressed to all 76,000 members of the defence organisation, Eichelsheim said all personnel should assess their individual readiness.

“Make sure your basic military skills and vaccinations are up to date, and that you are physically fit for duty,” he wrote. “All units must be trained and prepared to operational standards as quickly as possible.”

He also urged soldiers to be more aware of their personal security. That includes being cautious about displaying military ID badges, keeping operational plans confidential, and avoiding apps that share location data.

The army chief outlined two reasons for the urgent preparations. First, if a ceasefire is reached between Russia and Ukraine, the Netherlands must be ready to contribute to an international coalition. Second, he said, there is a growing threat to Nato territory.

“We are working jointly on a classified, military-wide operational plan detailing what we will do in the event of a direct threat to Nato territory,” he said. “I know that accelerating our readiness requires a lot. But it is necessary.”

Defence expert Dick Zandee from the Clingendael Institute said the letter is a signal to warn off the Russians. “It is also aimed at making sure the Netherlands is at the ready,” he told broadcaster NOS.

There are, Zandee said, real fears that the Baltic states could be the next victim of Russian aggression.