The plan came to light in the “2024 Defense Memorandum” released on September 5th. The document may be downloaded in full at this link.
The Dutch MoD introduces the document in the following way: “There is war on the European continent and unrest in the world. The Netherlands can also become involved in an armed conflict. That is why we must strengthen the armed forces more quickly. By preparing ourselves well, we discourage the opponent. And we can fight if necessary. To defend the territory of the Netherlands and allies. How we do this is described in this Defence Memorandum.”
The “2024 Defence Memorandum” lays out four scenarios that the Netherlands could face:
- Attack on NATO
- A mix of shadowy attacks using military and non-military means
- Conflicts between China and neighbouring countries lead to war between China and the US
- Unrest and conflict on the edges of Europe and the Kingdom
The Dutch MoD explains that “These scenarios have serious consequences for the security of the Netherlands, but they can also occur simultaneously and reinforce each other. The greatest danger is that shadowy, elusive attacks will lead to a Russian attack on NATO, which will directly involve the Netherlands in a war, while tensions are simultaneously rising on the edges of Europe and/or in the Indo-Pacific. The Netherlands and Defence must therefore prepare for the worst and quickly strengthen the armed forces and increase resilience.”
As a consequence, the Dutch government has decided to allocated an additional 2.4 billion euros for the Dutch military. The Dutch army will receive 46 new Leopard 2A8 MBT (with an option for 6 more), the RNLAF will receive 6 more F-35A fighters and the RNLN will receive 2 additional Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates (ASWF – bringing the total to 4 in the fleet) and 6 more NH90 NFH helicopters (bringing the total to 25). Some of the investment will also go to personnel (to improve recruitment and retention) as well as to the Dutch defense industry.
Regarding the additional equipment for the Royal Netherlands Navy, the document reads:
In the maritime domain, the renewal of the fleet has already been initiated in recent years. In order to be more deployable and for longer, more ships and maritime helicopters are needed. Due to the increased threat, the Netherlands and NATO also have a greater need for protection against underwater threats, including anti-submarine warfare and the protection of undersea infrastructure in deeper water.
The number of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates in the fleet is being expanded. This will enable the navy to better meet NATO’s demand for the long-term and more sustainable implementation of NATO’s tasks and operational plans. This will enable structural and long-term deployment of frigates across multiple axes, for example for frequent anti-submarine warfare in European seas, on the Atlantic Ocean and in the Arctic, for deployment in the Indo-Pacific or for tasks such as defence against ballistic and cruise missiles or carrying out precision attacks. In acquiring this capacity, opportunities for innovation and unmanned elements are included.
Defence is also acquiring additional NH-90 helicopters for the maritime helicopter fleet. The support of maritime and amphibious (combat) operations is thus strengthened and the long-term deployment of ships with an on-board helicopter can be combined with short operations with helicopter support by marines from the ship.
