News item | 13-10-2023 | 5:45 PM
The Netherlands supplies extra Patriotair defense missiles to Ukraine. The government recognizes the country’s need to defend critical infrastructure. Minister Kajsa Ollongren, also on behalf of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, reported this to the House of Representatives today.
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Last Wednesday, President Zelensky warned about Russian tactics to cut energy supplies. He did this during the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels, which brought together an international coalition of countries to coordinate military support to Ukraine. Minister Ollongren then announced that the Netherlands was working hard to provide additional air defense.
The Dutch decision follows Germany’s announcement of a new support package for Ukraine. This includes an extra Patriotlaunch system including missiles, and 2 additional IRIS-T anti-aircraft systems. The Netherlands itself has previously supplied launch installations Patriotsystems and missiles to Ukraine. There will now be an extra delivery on top of that.
“Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, with continued attacks on both military and civilian targets, including critical energy infrastructure. With winter approaching, its defense is crucial. Additional support is also important to organize air defense throughout the country,” said Minister Ollongren.
Effects of the armed forces
The delivery of the additional missiles has a significant impact on the readiness and deployment of Defense. Given the need to support Ukraine, this risk is accepted. The material to be supplied comes from our own stock. Defense is taking measures to replenish these stocks as quickly as possible.
Earlier this week it was reported that the Netherlands had made a new donation to Ukraine. This package included, among other things: drones, demining equipment and ammunition. The total value of all equipment supplied is now more than € 2.1 billion.