Netherlands Allocate €400 Million for CV90 Combat Vehicles for Ukraine
The Dutch government has approved the allocation of €400 million for the production of Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, which will be handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This was announced by the country's Defence Minister, Kajsa Ollongren, according to the Dutch broadcasting company NOS.
The Dutch official stated that her country will join the Swedish fund for the production of CV90 combat vehicles to provide Ukrainian soldiers with the additional military equipment they urgently need. These vehicles will be partially produced in Denmark and Sweden, but the lion's share — 180 out of 230 vehicles — will be manufactured in the Netherlands.
Additionally, the Dutch government recently decided to join the European production line for Patriot missiles for Ukraine, which will operate in Germany.
"The American manufacturer has given permission for Patriot production in Europe, which will expedite the process," noted Kajsa Ollongren.
Moreover, the Netherlands plans to strengthen its own defence industry by allocating €25 million for military startups and €54 million for the development of drones for its army.
"European production capacities need to grow for Ukraine, but also for ourselves. Our Armed Forces need to be combat-ready, and there is a time pressure on this," added the Dutch Defence Minister.
The publication The Gaze also reported that Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren stated that her country does not object to Ukraine striking military targets on Russian territory using F-16 fighters, which the Netherlands will provide to Kyiv.
The Dutch official emphasised that, unlike Belgium, the Netherlands will not impose any restrictions on the use of the 24 F-16 fighters that will be transferred to Ukraine. Kajsa Ollongren mentioned that the only request to Ukraine is to adhere to international law.