In order to cope with the turmoil in a less secure world, it is obvious that we need more defence. The Dutch armed forces are therefore being strengthened.
As an important first step the Ministry of Defence will receive an extra 220 million euros next year in order to improve the readiness of the forces. A figure that will rise to 345 million euros in 2020. The annual budget for the deployment of Dutch forces in international missions will also be increased by 60 million euros. Moreover the Dutch government has announced its readiness to further invest in the armed forces.
There is no question that we are living in an era of rapid change with uncertain outcomes. The demands placed on our armed forces are likely to increase even more. We must continue to invest in future-proofing our military. This requires a steady hand in a gradual and long-term approach.
By H.E. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The world in turmoil
There is no question that our security environment has changed for the worse. The instability and conflicts surrounding Europe are undeniably having a deleterious impact on our societies. The recent terrorist attacks on Paris as well as a number of foiled terrorist attempts are a potent reminder of this. Youngsters from Europe are moreover lured to participate in gruesome acts of terror in the Middle East. Bad governance, religious extremism, demographic developments, climate change and a scarcity of natural resources have resulted in a toxic mix in much of the world. This toxic mix of mishap has also induced an increasing number of migrants to knock on the European door. In addition, Russia continues to be a liability to European security.
Europe needs to bring stability to the arc of conflict that now surrounds it. This truly is a daunting challenge. It probably even is a generational challenge, involving the whole gamut of (policy) instruments that we have at our disposal. But it is the challenge at hand. And it is clearly in the interest of all our nations. For everyone involved, there is much at stake and no time to lose. We simply need to protect and defend everything we hold dear, our security and our freedom above all.
Improving the readiness of our forces
Our first priority is to strengthen the Dutch armed forces’ basic operational readiness. In NATO, we are helping to improve the responsiveness of the forces in order to deter — and, if necessary, defend against — any attack. The Netherlands is actively contributing to implementing the Readiness Action Plan and the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). Recently, we have also signed the founding declaration for the Joint Expeditionary Forces.
By making more people and military materiel available and exercising them more often, we can enhance the rapid deployment of our operational units. And with more reserve parts, stocks can be increased, allowing for faster repair of materiel. It will take time until the effects of measures become tangible at the level of operational units. In the coming years, however, they should lead to a substantial improvement in the armed forces’ basic operational readiness and deployability.
In the coming years, the Dutch government intends to also strengthen the combat support and combat service support units as well as the combat units of the Dutch armed forces. And yes, we need to ensure that we can replace indispensable military capabilities.
Intensifying international cooperation
I am a strong proponent of greater European defence cooperation. Europe needs to be a much more convincing and credible security provider than it has been. In addition to enhancing our basic operational readiness, the Dutch military will therefore continue to build on its already intensive collaborative partnerships. One example is the treaty the Netherlands signed last March with Belgium for joint air policing. Another is the integration of the Dutch 43rd Mechanised Brigade into a German armoured division. A German tank battalion – one company of which will be staffed by Dutch military personnel – will in turn become part of this Dutch brigade. This arrangement allows us not only to retain our knowledge and skills in operating tanks but also to enhance the deployability and sustainability of our armed forces. The Dutch military is keen to further intensify its cooperation at the European level.
In the first half of 2016, the Netherlands will assume the Presidency of the European Union. During those six months, we will strive to make defence cooperation in Europe less noncommittal. A stronger Common Security and Defence Policy is in the interests of not only the EU but also of NATO. It is high time to tackle the European overreliance on the US.
Way ahead
I am pleased with the path we have embarked on. Clearly, we are not yet where we should be. But the reality is that we are once again moving forward.
Planned deployment of the Dutch armed forces in 2016
In addition to strengthening the armed forces, the Netherlands will continue in 2016 to deploy units for overseas missions. The deployment of the armed forces will be focused on the fight against ISIL, with four operational F-16s and approximately 200 soldiers.
We will also be providing 130 trainers for the Iraqi and Kurdish security forces in Bagdad and North Iraq. The Dutch military contribution of some 450 soldiers to the UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been extended until the end of 2016. The Netherlands also contributes to the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan. In 2016, a number of small contributions to missions in Africa and the Middle East will be continued, including the contributions to the European Union Training Mission in Somalia and the Capacity Building Mission Iraq.
The Dutch government will decide before the end of this year whether to continue the Netherlands’ contribution to the EU operation Atalanta against piracy in the Horn of Africa in 2016. Vessel Protection Detachments will continue to be used to protect merchant shipping.
Moreover, in 2016 the Netherlands will be providing an extensive contribution to the new NATO Response Force. In the second half of 2016, the Netherlands will also contribute to the EU Battlegroup.
For Information: https://www.government.nl/ministries/ministry-of-defence
Photography: Minister van defensive
