Netherlands reveals list of weapons & combat vehicles sent to Ukraine.

According to a statement published by the Dutch Ministry of Defense on April 13, 2023, the government of the Netherlands disclose more information about the military supplies provided to Ukraine, according to a letter written by Minister Kajsa Ollongren to the House of Representatives. Today, the types of goods and resources donated since February 24, 2022, have been announced, making the breadth, diversity, and scale of Dutch military support for Ukraine publicly known for the first time. The Netherlands has already provided €1.2 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine including weapons and combat vehicles.
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Since the beginning of the War in Ukraine, the Netherlands has already provided €1.2 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine including weapons and combat vehicles.

The government of the Netherlands considers this step toward greater transparency to be of great importance. On the one hand, it maintains public support and enables a societal debate on military aid to Ukraine. On the other hand, it sends a clear signal to both Ukraine and Russia.

The Netherlands is determined to continue providing military support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The war in Ukraine has entered its second year, and the government anticipates that it could last much longer.

Increased transparency also aligns with the trend of the Dutch Ministry of Defense supplying more military goods ordered directly from the industry. Other countries are also opting to disclose more information. Operational security remains paramount, so a decision will be made on a case-by-case basis about what can be made public.

The deliveries include various types of equipment, such as heavy weapons, rifles, and machine guns, along with ammunition. Vehicles, weapons systems, and different types of missiles have also been sent to Ukraine. Additionally, the aid consists of clothing, generators, sensors, night vision devices, blankets, food, and medical supplies.

The YPR is a family of light armored tracked vehicles. (Picture source Wikimedia)

The military aid provided and pledged since February 2022, updated as of April 5, 2023, includes various types of equipment. Among the combat vehicles are T-72 tanks in collaboration with the United States and the Czech Republic, YPR armored tracked vehicles, Fennek reconnaissance vehicles, BvS10 Viking tracked vehicles, and Leopard 1A5 tanks provided in collaboration with Denmark and Germany.

In November 2022, the United States approved a $400 million U.S. aid package to Ukraine including the refurbishing of Soviet-made T-72B tanks in collaboration with the Czech defense industry. The Czech modernized T-72B is now equipped with thermal imagers, night vision systems, and new armor.

The YPR is a family of armored tracked vehicles based on the M113 tracked Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) originally designed by FMC Corp. to meet the U.S. Army's 1970 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (MICV) requirement. It entered service with the Dutch Army in 1975.  The APC version of the YPR supplied to Ukraine can accommodate up to 12 personnel, including the driver, commander, and 10 fully-equipped infantry soldiers, providing a secure and reliable means of transport in various combat situations.

The Fennek is a 4x4 wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicle. (Picture source Dutch MoD)

The Fennek 4x4 reconnaissance armored vehicle is a lightweight, highly mobile, and versatile platform designed for scouting and surveillance missions. Developed jointly by the German and Dutch defense industries, it serves both the German Army and the Royal Netherlands Army. The Fennek features a compact design with advanced stealth capabilities, making it difficult to detect on the battlefield.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art sensor suite, including day and night vision cameras, thermal imaging, and laser rangefinders, the Fennek can gather and relay vital intelligence data to support decision-making and mission planning. Its 4x4 configuration offers excellent off-road performance, allowing it to traverse various terrains with ease. The vehicle is also armed with a remotely operated weapon station, typically mounting a 12.7mm heavy machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher for self-defense.

The BvS10 Viking is an All-Terrain Amphibious tracked armored vehicle. (Picture source Dutch MoD)

The BvS10 Viking is a highly mobile, amphibious, all-terrain armored vehicle designed and manufactured by BAE Systems Hägglunds, a Swedish defense company. The Viking is a versatile platform, used for various roles such as troop transportation, command and control, reconnaissance, and logistics support.

The vehicle features a unique articulated design, consisting of two tracked units connected by a steering mechanism, which enables exceptional maneuverability and performance in challenging terrains like snow, mud, and steep slopes. The BvS10 Viking is fully amphibious, allowing it to traverse water bodies without any additional preparation.

The Viking's armored hull provides protection for the crew and passengers against small arms fire, artillery shell splinters, and mine blasts. The vehicle can be fitted with various weapon systems, including machine guns and grenade launchers, depending on the specific mission requirements.

Dutch Leopard 1 MBT Main Battle Tank. (Picture source Wikimedia)

The Leopard 1A5 is an upgraded version of the Leopard 1, a main battle tank (MBT) developed by Germany in the 1960s. The 1A5 variant, introduced in the 1980s, features improved firepower, protection, and technology compared to its predecessors. It is armed with a 105mm L7A3 rifled gun, capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, and is equipped with a fully-stabilized fire control system for enhanced accuracy. The tank's mobility is ensured by a powerful 830 hp diesel engine, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 65 km/h (40 mph) on roads. The Leopard 1A5's armor provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell fragments, while additional armor can be added for increased survivability.

Dutch PzH 2000 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source Wikimedia)

The fire support systems comprise PzH 2000 armored howitzers and 120mm mortars. The air defense systems include Patriot missile launchers with accompanying missiles, MR-2 mobile anti-aircraft guns, and air defense missiles and systems such as the Stinger.

The PzH 2000 (Panzerhaubitze 2000) is a highly advanced self-propelled howitzer designed and manufactured by the German defense industry. With a 155mm/52 caliber gun, the PzH 2000 boasts an impressive range of up to 56 km (35 miles) using rocket-assisted projectiles. Its sophisticated fire control system, automated ammunition handling, and rapid rate of fire (up to 10 rounds per minute) make it one of the most potent artillery systems in the world.

The PzH 2000's armored hull provides protection for the crew against small arms fire, shrapnel, and artillery shell fragments. Its powerful diesel engine and tracked chassis offer excellent mobility, enabling the PzH 2000 to keep pace with modern mechanized forces and quickly relocate after firing to avoid counter-battery fire.

Dutch Patriot air defense missile system launcher unit. (Picture source Wikimedia)

The Patriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept On Target) is a sophisticated, long-range air defense system designed and manufactured by the United States Raytheon Company. The system is primarily intended to detect, track, and engage incoming aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The Patriot's advanced radar and command system work in tandem to provide a comprehensive air defense umbrella, ensuring protection against a wide range of aerial threats.

The MR-2 mobile anti-aircraft gun, also known as the ZU-23-2, is a Soviet-era towed 23mm twin-barreled autocannon designed for low-altitude air defense. Mounted on a two-wheel carriage, the MR-2 provides ground forces with a lightweight and mobile platform for engaging enemy aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The weapon system is manually operated and can fire at a rate of up to 2,000 rounds per minute, making it effective against both air and ground targets.

The Stinger missile is a lightweight, man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) developed by the United States. Designed for short-range engagements, the Stinger uses an infrared homing seeker to target and intercept enemy aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The missile's compact design allows it to be easily carried and operated by a single soldier, making it an invaluable asset for ground troops in need of air defense capabilities. With a range of up to 8 km (5 miles) and a highly effective hit-to-kill warhead, the Stinger has proven itself as a reliable and potent weapon in various combat situations, earning a reputation as one of the most successful MANPADS in service today.

Additionally, the Dutch government is providing a wide range of individual weapons, ammunition, sensors and observation equipment, bridges, kitchens, vehicles, demining equipment, vessels, field hospitals, spare parts, logistics equipment, personal equipment, rations, medical supplies, and fuels. This extensive support package aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities in the ongoing conflict.