The Netherlands Announces Delivery of Additional Patriot Air Defense Missiles to Ukraine.

According to a statement published by the Dutch MoD (Ministry of Defense) on October 13, 2023, The Netherlands is supplying additional Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine. The cabinet acknowledges the country's need to defend critical infrastructure. This was announced on October 13, 2023, to the House of Representatives by Duch Minister of Defense Kajsa Ollongren, on behalf of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
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Launcher unit of Dutch Army Patriot Air Defense Missile System. (Picture source Dutch MoD)

Last Wednesday, President Zelensky warned of the Russian tactic of targeting energy supplies. He made this statement during the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels, where an international coalition of countries convened to coordinate military support for Ukraine. Minister Ollongren then stated that the Netherlands was actively working on providing additional air defense.

The Dutch decision follows Germany's announcement of a new aid package for Ukraine. This includes an additional Patriot launcher system with missiles and 2 supplementary IRIS-T air defense systems. The Netherlands had previously also supplied Patriot system launchers and missiles to Ukraine. An additional supply is now being added.

"The Russian war in Ukraine continues, with ongoing attacks on both military and civilian targets, including critical energy infrastructure. With winter approaching, defending these is crucial. Additional support is also important to organize air defense throughout the country," said Dutch Defense Minister Ollongren.

The provision of the additional Patriot missiles has a significant impact on the readiness and deployment of the Netherlands' Defense forces. Given the need to support Ukraine, this risk is accepted. The material to be supplied comes from the military stock of the Dutch Armed Forces. Defense is taking measures to replenish these stocks as quickly as possible.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Netherlands made a new donation to Ukraine. This package included drones, demining equipment, and ammunition. The total value of all the supplied equipment now stands at over €2.1 billion.

Before the War in Ukraine, the Netherlands' armed forces were equipped with 18 M902 Patriot PAC-3 air defense missile systems and 6 NASAMS II. 

Defense News October 2023