Breaking News: Netherlands to purchase more F-35A stealth fighters and NH-90 NFH maritime helicopters in €2.4 Billion defense plan.

As reported by RTL.nl on September 4, 2024, the Dutch government plans to increase its defense budget by an additional 2.4 billion euros over the coming years, according to sources close to the political editors of RTL Nieuws. This decision is outlined in a forthcoming Defense Memorandum that details investments across various military assets, including additional F-35A fighter jets, anti-submarine frigates (ASW), and NH-90 NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFH) for naval missions.
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Currently, the Royal Netherlands Air Force has 39 operational F-35As, with additional deployments planned for No. 322 Squadron at Leeuwarden Air Base and No. 312 Squadron at Volkel Air Base by 2024, with the potential addition of No. 313 Squadron. (Picture source: Dutch MoD)

A significant portion of the budget will also be allocated to purchasing more ammunition and reinforcing the military police, the Marechaussee, which will take on new tasks as part of the Main Lines Agreement. The memorandum, to be presented by Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans and State Secretary Gijs Tuinman, outlines the Netherlands' defense plans for the near future. Of the 2.4 billion euros, 1.5 billion euros will be specifically designated to enhance "combat power," with a focus on addressing ammunition shortages. Further investments will be directed toward cyber capabilities, innovation, and the expansion of the Dutch defense industry.

Part of the increased budget involves continued participation in the F-35 fighter jet program. Initially, the Netherlands planned to acquire 85 F-35A aircraft to replace its aging fleet of F-16AMs, at an estimated cost of 5.5 billion euros for the initial purchase and 9.1 billion euros over 30 years of service. In 2008, despite concerns from the Dutch Parliament regarding delays, technical issues, and rising costs, the government proceeded with the purchase of two test aircraft. The decision to cancel the first test series in 2010 was later reversed in 2011, and a second test aircraft was purchased. Subsequent discussions suggested that the number of aircraft acquired would likely be fewer than the original 85, given the reduced number of F-16s in service.

By September 2013, the Dutch government announced plans to acquire 37 F-35s for approximately 4.5 billion euros, with an additional 270 million euros allocated annually for operating costs. In the years that followed, discussions continued about the Netherlands' involvement in the F-35 program, including concerns over rising costs and the consideration of alternative aircraft options. In 2013, the Netherlands Court of Audit reported that increasing per-unit costs had reduced the number of aircraft affordable to below the minimum level required to meet NATO requirements.

Despite these concerns, in 2018, the Ministry of Defence removed the 4.5 billion euro budget cap set in 2013, allowing for the possible purchase of more aircraft. By May 2022, the Ministry decided to order an additional six F-35s, bringing the total planned acquisition to 52. Currently, the Royal Netherlands Air Force has 39 operational F-35As, with additional deployments planned for No. 322 Squadron at Leeuwarden Air Base and No. 312 Squadron at Volkel Air Base by 2024, with the potential addition of No. 313 Squadron.

Initially, the Netherlands planned to acquire 85 F-35A aircraft to replace its aging fleet of F-16AMs, at an estimated cost of 5.5 billion euros for the initial purchase and 9.1 billion euros over 30 years of service. (Picture source: US DoD)

Alongside the F-35 program, the Dutch defense strategy includes investments in the NHIndustries NH90 helicopter, a medium-sized, twin-engine military helicopter developed to meet NATO's requirements for a versatile platform suitable for both battlefield and naval operations. The NH90 program began in the mid-1980s with a consortium of France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The development aimed to create a helicopter capable of both battlefield transport and anti-ship/submarine missions.

Although the UK withdrew from the collaboration in 1987, the project continued with the remaining partners. In 1992, NHIndustries—a consortium formed by Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker Aerostructures—signed a design and development contract with the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA). The first prototype flew in December 1995, and the NH90 was introduced into operational service in 2007, featuring fly-by-wire flight controls.

The NH90 is designed for various roles, including transport, search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, and special forces missions. The helicopter features a composite airframe to reduce radar visibility and improve durability, and is powered by two turboshaft engines, either the General Electric CT7-8E or the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322, depending on the configuration. It has a maximum speed of 300 km/h and an operational range of 800 to 1,000 km, depending on the variant. The service ceiling is 6,000 meters, and it can carry up to 20 troops or 12 stretchers, with a maximum external load of 4,200 kg. The helicopter is equipped with a range of sensors, weapons systems, and avionics, including a four-axis autopilot and fly-by-wire controls.

There are two main variants of the NH90: the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) for land-based operations and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) for naval missions. The TTH variant is intended for transporting troops and cargo and conducting medical evacuations, while the NFH variant is designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface unit warfare, and other naval roles. Additional specialized versions have been developed to meet specific requirements of different operators, such as the Swedish high-cabin version (HCV) and the German "Sea Lion" and "Sea Tiger" models. Other variants include the Italian Army's UH-90A and the Australian MRH-90 Taipan, tailored for distinct operational needs.

As of 2024, the Netherlands operates 19 NH90 helicopters following the loss of one aircraft in an accident in the Caribbean in 2020. (Picture source: NHIndustries)

The Netherlands, a participant in the NH90 program, initially ordered 20 helicopters for the Royal Netherlands Navy, including 12 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) variants and 8 tactical versions. In 2010, the Dutch Navy received the first NFH variant. However, issues such as corrosion due to saltwater exposure led to a temporary suspension of deliveries in 2014 until modifications and repairs were made. The NH90 has been used in Dutch naval operations, including anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden. As of 2024, the Netherlands operates 19 NH90 helicopters following the loss of one aircraft in an accident in the Caribbean in 2020. Plans are underway to upgrade the remaining fleet's communication and weapons systems.

The memorandum also includes the decision to re-establish a Dutch tank battalion. The Netherlands, which first purchased Leopard 2 tanks in 1979, is now considering acquiring around fifty Leopard 2A8 tanks. The estimated annual cost of maintaining the new tank battalion, including expenses for purchasing new tanks, operational and personnel costs for about 350 military personnel, and infrastructure maintenance, is projected to be between 260 million and 315 million euros over the next fifteen years.

This decision marks a change in defense policy from 2011, when the tank battalion was phased out due to budget constraints and a strategic assessment that tanks were unnecessary. The recent decision is seen as a response to geopolitical developments, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has highlighted the need for renewed military capabilities. The Dutch government aims to increase defense spending to meet the NATO standard of 2 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The defense budget currently stands at 21.4 billion euros, or 1.95 percent of GDP; the additional 2.4 billion euros will help meet NATO requirements.