The Dutch Ministry of Defense will acquire 22 combat vehicles to destroy drones, with 1.3 billion euros allocated for the purchase.
This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to NOS.
“The Netherlands will acquire 22 new combat vehicles to shoot down drones in the air. This was announced by State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Gijs Tuinman. We are talking about the so-called Skyrangers. The first such vehicles may be delivered, probably, as early as 2028. The Ministry of Defense allocates 1.3 billion euros for their purchase, the report says.
It is noted that the specified combat vehicles are equipped with sensors that can detect enemy drones. The vehicle uses radars, cameras and lasers to detect and track targets.
The German-made weapon system has a rapid-fire cannon to destroy drones, planes and helicopters. In addition, the system is equipped with missiles that can hit targets at long distances.
“The war in Ukraine and events in the Middle East highlight the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems, such as drones, on the battlefield”, — says State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, Gijs Tuinman.
“We must be prepared to combat enemy drones and other aerial threats both now and in the future”, he noted.
According to Tuinman, the Netherlands will be able to better protect its military with the help of Skyrangers and provide the necessary combat power.
The State Secretary also added that in this way the Netherlands meets NATO requirements.
An additional 125 employees at the Ministry of Defense will be needed to maintain and support the 22 new combat vehicles Netherlands.
The Netherlands has its own drones. Initially, they were intended solely for intelligence gathering, but in the coming years they will be equipped with weapons. In recent years, the Ministry of Defense has received billions in additional funding, in particular for updating and expanding the arsenal.
As reported by Ukrinform, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov discussed with his Dutch counterpart Ruben Brekelmans the issue of investments in joint defense projects, as well as strengthening Ukrainian air defense.