Netherlands to invest €1.1 billion in its own defence industry due to doubts about US support
The Dutch government plans to invest more than a billion euros in the domestic defence industry, guided by a new security strategy. The decision is partly due to doubts about the US ability to guarantee Europe's security in the long term.
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According to the new defence document, special attention was paid to the development of the defence industry as a critical sector in times of war. The document states that the winner on the battlefield will be the one who can produce faster, implement innovations and sustain them in the long term.
To this end, the government is changing its approach to defence procurement. Priority will be given to European and Dutch companies, with the possibility of localising production in the country. Firms involved in the development of weapons or advanced technologies will be able to apply for financial support, both to launch production and to overcome crisis situations.
A special emphasis is placed on assistance in increasing production capacity. The government plans to support companies in setting up new production lines by entering into long-term contracts that will guarantee demand for their products.
Support for Ukraine is also a priority. The Netherlands intends to transfer certain weapons for combat testing to improve equipment based on real experience.
Earlier it was also reported that the Netherlands and Sweden had agreed to produce CV90 combat vehicles directly in the country. Dozens of local companies will participate in the programme, and the total number of vehicles to be partially manufactured in the Netherlands will reach 180 units.
Source: RTL
