Dutch Government Unveils Multi-Billion Euro Plan For Navy Fleet Replacement

Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine’s President, and Mark Rutte, the Dutch PM, have signed a bilateral security deal encompassing the donation of patrol boats and other watercraft. The pact inked on Friday is similar to the agreements Ukraine has recently secured with Germany, the UK, France, Canada, Italy, and Denmark.

It will provide Ukraine with €2 billion in terms of military aid via the Netherlands in 2024 and further defence support over the next decade, Zelenskiy mentioned in a statement on X. The supplies will include air defence artillery, long-range missiles, and assistance for the Ukrainian air force.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense said that it will equip Ukraine with eight river patrol boats (paramilitary), 14 inflatable rigid-hull boats, and fast assault vessels that belong to the CB90 class. Some of these watercraft will be provided from the Dutch military’s inventory, while others are expected to come from industry.

Rutte also stated that the Netherlands would be involved in the Czech Republic’s plan to help fund the purchase and delivery of around 800,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine. The Dutch ministry indicated it would raise its contribution to €250 million from the previously agreed-upon €100 million.

On X, Rutte said the deal indicated that Kyiv had been assured of continued support, commitment, and dedication across the breadth of defence cooperation and regarding sanctions, reconstruction, and the search for justice and truth.

The Dutch premier, who is possibly going to become the next NATO leader later this year, attended a press briefing with the Ukrainian defense minister and army chief in Kharkiv focused on the reinforcement of advanced air defense, explained Zelenskiy. Kharkiv, he mentioned, is a city that Vladimir Putin is trying his best to destroy with cruel air strikes.

Reference: Financial post

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Source: Maritime Shipping News