Netherlands to Step Up Air Defence Support for Ukraine Under U.S. Initiative
The Netherlands is preparing a major new contribution to bolster Ukraine’s air defense under a U.S.-led multinational initiative.
The Gaze reports this, referring to an announcement made by the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
The statement came during a virtual session of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on July 21, as part of intensifying efforts to protect Ukrainian cities and infrastructure from escalating Russian aerial assaults.
Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans condemned the Kremlin’s intensifying missile and drone campaign: “Russia’s terror from the skies has hit new lows. Its clear objective is to break the resolve of the Ukrainian people. We must not, and will not, allow this,” he said.
Highlighting the urgency of additional support, Brekelmans pledged that the Netherlands would play a “substantial role” in the U.S. initiative, which is centered around supplying Patriot air defense systems and related weaponry to Ukraine.
The exact configuration of the Dutch contribution is being coordinated with NATO, the U.S., and other partners, with further details expected soon.
Posting on X, the Minister confirmed: “The Netherlands will contribute substantially to the delivery of US air defense (Patriots). We will also supply more air defense ourselves: F16 munitions, counter-drones, radars, etc.”
The announcement builds on a long-standing Dutch commitment to Ukraine’s defense. The Netherlands has already delivered a full Patriot air defense system, along with interceptor missiles, 24 F-16 fighter jets, I-HAWK systems, anti-aircraft guns, spare parts, and drone detection radars. Maritime vessels equipped with air defense capabilities have also been provided.
The Netherlands is also one of the leading European investors in Ukraine’s defense capabilities. In 2024, the Dutch government committed €700 million toward drone development, a significant share of which supports Ukrainian defense manufacturers.
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