How the Netherlands is strengthening its defences amid global tensions

_Editor’s Note: The tenth edition of Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, is now underway in Delhi. At the Firstpost Ideas Pod at Raisina Dialogue organised by Observers Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans held a conversation with Harsh V Pant. This piece talks about Europe’s defences and the Netherlands’ role.
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The Netherlands is making significant investments in strengthening its defence capabilities as geopolitical tensions in Europe continue to simmer.

The Dutch government has announced an increase in defence spending by €2.4 billion annually, bringing the total budget to approximately €24 billion per year — nearly double the amount allocated in 2022.

This increase includes €1.5 billion specifically earmarked for bolstering “combat power,” reflecting a broader commitment to reinforcing home defence and preparing for potential large-scale conflicts.

The shift in policy follows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has highlighted the need for Nato members to be prepared for the possibility of direct confrontation. The Dutch defence paper explicitly outlines scenarios in which Russia could attack a Nato member, such as Lithuania or Poland.

The Netherlands, it states, must be ready to fight a war of necessity rather than engage in “wars of choice,” which have characterised past decades.

“The ruthless aggression shows that an attack on the Nato alliance is no longer unthinkable,” Defense News quoted Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

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“The Netherlands must step up to protect our security. We have to get to work to deter our enemies, guard Nato’s external borders and prevent further war in Europe. We have no time to lose in this.”

Brekelmans also stated that, while the Netherlands may appear to be at peace, the reality is that the country is already under constant threat in a “gray zone” between peace and war. Digital infrastructure, companies, ports, and power grids are regularly targeted by cyberattacks and espionage.

The Dutch government has determined that it can no longer selectively choose where it engages in conflicts but must instead be ready to defend its own territory and critical assets at all times.

“This is not just a small change,” Dutch Chief of Defence Gen. Otto Eichelsheim stated, according to Defense News. “It is a turning point in the history of the Dutch armed forces, and it requires a fundamentally different way of thinking. Instead of meticulously preparing and planning every single mission, in the near future our military, our civilians must simply be ready every day, permanently ready for a large-scale conflict. Because deterrence only works if we are credible.”

To solidify this new commitment, the government plans to enshrine a minimum defence spending level of 2 per cent of GDP into law.

The 2024 Dutch defence budget has already been increased to €21.4 billion, or 1.95 per cent of GDP, compared to €15.4 billion in 2023 and €12.9 billion in 2022.

How Netherlands is strengthening its defence

As part of its effort to enhance military preparedness, the Netherlands is re-establishing a tank battalion after having sold its last Leopard 2 tanks in 2011 due to budget cuts.

Since 2015, the country has leased 18 tanks from Germany, but Nato has urged the Netherlands to strengthen its land-based military presence, including with heavy armour. In response, the government is now considering purchasing around 50 new Leopard 2 A8 tanks.

According to reports submitted to parliament, maintaining a tank battalion over a 15-year period would cost between €260 million and €315 million per year, including costs for purchasing the tanks, maintenance, spare parts, operations, and personnel. The government is also exploring the use of unmanned systems to complement manned tank operations, reported Defense News.

Additionally, the Dutch Army’s Boxer armoured personnel carriers will be upgraded with heavier cannons and anti-tank weaponry to increase battlefield firepower.

In the air, the Netherlands is acquiring six additional F-35 fighter jets, adding to the 52 already ordered. The expanded fleet will improve operational availability and firepower, enabling the Dutch Air Force to sustain longer missions and enhance deterrence capabilities.

For the Royal Netherlands Navy, the government has approved the purchase of two more anti-submarine warfare frigates, in addition to the two already ordered from Damen and Thales for €1.9 billion.

This investment is intended to bolster maritime security and counter underwater threats, including the protection of critical subsea infrastructure. The naval expansion also includes additional NH-90 helicopters and unmanned vessels to enhance maritime operations.

Recognising the importance of sustained military engagement, the Netherlands will continue its international deployments in key regions, including Iraq and the Red Sea, while maintaining strong military support for Ukraine.

To further improve operational readiness, the Dutch government is investing heavily in ammunition stockpiles, spare parts, logistics, medical support, and intelligence.

“It is not only crucial that we can bring more combat power to the table, but also that we can sustain the fight longer,” Brekelmans stated. “This is an important lesson from the war in Ukraine, which has now been going on for two and a half years, with no end in sight at this time. Putin is discouraged only when he knows that he is losing not only the first battle, but the entire war.”

How Dutch civilians are being prepared in case of conflict

As part of a broader national security strategy, Dutch Justice and Security Minister David van Weel has urged citizens to take greater responsibility for their own safety in the event of a crisis.

The government has updated its long-standing recommendation for emergency preparedness, advising households to maintain a 72-hour survival kit — an increase from the previous 48-hour guideline. These kits should contain essential supplies such as cash, canned food, water, and batteries, reported Euro News.

A recent Ipsos I&O study found that a quarter of the Dutch population now owns an emergency kit, a notable increase from 2024, when only 15 per cent had one.

However, Van Weel stressed that this level of preparedness must continue to rise. “Back then we knew what to do the moment the air alarm would go off,” he said, drawing parallels to the Cold War era.

He warned that, in the event of a major conflict, the Dutch government would be primarily focused on military operations, meaning citizens must be prepared to function independently for some time.

To further strengthen national resilience, the Dutch government is prioritising five key sectors: food and water supply, electricity, healthcare, infrastructure and governance.

Should Netherlands consider conscription

With military recruitment struggling to meet targets, the Dutch government is exploring new methods to encourage enlistment.

Then Dutch Defence Minister Christophe van der Maat had proposed a system similar to Sweden’s, in which all 17-year-olds receive a military service questionnaire to assess their willingness and suitability to serve. In Sweden, failure to complete the questionnaire carries a fine.

Although mandatory conscription in the Netherlands was abolished in 1997, all citizens between 17 and 35 remain registered for potential military service in an emergency.

In 2023, the Dutch military introduced a voluntary one-year service programme, but only 140 conscripts signed up. By 2028, the government aims to recruit 3,000 to 4,000 service-year participants annually, in addition to the regular intake of 4,500 professional personnel.

Public sentiment on conscription is shifting, with 58 per cent of Dutch citizens now supporting its reintroduction — up from 44 per cent a year ago. However, despite growing approval, over half of those eligible to serve say they would seek to avoid military duty, according to a recent EenVandaag survey.

According to Dutch News, Lieutenant-General Martin Wijnen reinforced the need for societal preparedness, stated, “The Netherlands must take the threat of a war seriously, and our society needs to be prepared for it.”

With inputs from agencies