Netherlands Announces More F-35 Fighters, NH90 Helicopters in New $2.7B Defense Plan | Aviation

The size of each of the three F-35 squadrons will swell and enhance readiness and ‘airstrike power.’

The Netherlands has announced plans to acquire additional F-35A Lightning II among other systems, including UAVs, NH90 helicopters, tanks, ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) frigates and counter-drone systems. The plans were revealed on Sept. 5, 2024, in a new defense planning document, for which an additional allocation of €2.4 billion ($2.7 billion) has been made. Aviation Week quoted a statement from the Dutch defense ministry, “Each year, approximately €1.5 billion will be invested in combat power.”

“New threats require action,” the Dutch government said, alluding to the security situation in Europe since Russia’s war in Ukraine since February 2022. Beside Russia, the move also reflects escalating tensions in the Middle East and the emerging flashpoint in the western Pacific, where China’s military assertion of its territorial claims shows Beijing is “trying to bend international rules in its favor.”

Dutch warship HNLMS Tromp was circled by Chinese JH-7 fighter-bomber and Z-19 light-attack reconnaissance-scout helicopter    on Jun. 7, 2024 in the ECS (East China Sea). This was after it had conducted drills with the Indian Navy and the ROK (Republic of Korea) Navy in the preceding days. The latter was a part of maritime sanctions…