Netherlands defines 2021 spending priorities
In its latest budget plan the Netherlands MoD is emphasising investment in ‘digitisation and sustainability’, green technology, extra cyber capacity, AI and modern equipment such as unmanned aircraft.
Four Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper MALE UAS, ordered in 2018, are expected to be delivered to the Dutch military in 2021.
In addition, the two hydrographic survey vessels in the Royal Netherlands Navy — HNLMS Luymes and HNLMS Snellius — are being modernised.
The MoD has allocated a materiel budget fund for the first time, setting aside €66 billion ($78.28 billion) over the next 15 years with €4.6 billion earmarked for 2021.
This fund enables the MoD to ‘better chart long-term expenditure’, the ministry noted on 15 September. ‘This also applies to the cohesion of the management and maintenance of the investments.’
Minister of Defence Ank Bijleveld-Schouten said: ‘Everyone knows that security and stability are preconditions for growth and development. That is why I think it is important to continue to invest and modernise.’
However, the Netherlands will still have one of the lowest contributions to NATO in 2021, with just 1.48% of GDP. The MoD described a ‘shrinking economy caused by the COVID-19 crisis’ but it still targets 2% of GDP for defence spending by 2024.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
![Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west]()
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
