Netherlands Orders 600,000 Ukrainian Drones and 100 UAV Detection Radars for Ukraine
The Netherlands is donating 100 additional drone detection radars to Ukraine. Vehicles for transporting casualties are also being sent to the country. Furthermore, the Netherlands is investing extra money in drone support.
This is a support package totaling approximately €175 million. This is in addition to contracts that have been signed with Ukrainian industry these days to produce €500 million worth of drones. Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced this prior to the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in The Hague.
Ukraine will receive 100 drone detection radars. These systems are able to detect drones and then pass this information on to air defense systems that can neutralize the drones. The delivery of the detection radars should be completed by the end of the year.
Also, 20 Ermine casevac (partly) unmanned vehicles will go to Ukraine. The country can use these modular systems to evacuate wounded people. Finally, the Netherlands is making an additional €80 million available for drones. This support is provided via the international drone coalition. The Netherlands previously announced that it would invest €20 million in this. The new support package is in addition to the €400 million package for maritime safety that was recently announced .
In addition, the Netherlands has signed contracts with Ukrainian industry these days for the production of 600,000 drones. This concerns a package of €500 million for drones that Ukraine urgently needs on the front line. This so-called Drone Line Initiative contributes to Russia not being able to break through.
Daily Russian Air Raids
“The relentless Russian airstrikes show daily that air defense is literally a matter of life and death for Ukraine. That is why it is so important that we can supply the drone detection radars. In addition, it is an important step that we have signed large production contracts with the Ukrainian drone industry and are also increasing our support by another €80 million. Drones and unmanned systems are the new spearhead in our support for Ukraine.”
Respect and Awe for the Ukrainian People
The minister added that the Netherlands will continue its support for Ukraine unabated.
“For 3.5 years, the tireless Ukrainian troops have been fighting on the front against Russian aggression. The Ukrainian troops are supported by an enormously steadfast and resilient population. I have incredible respect for this. In addition to strengthening our own armed forces, support for Ukraine is the best way to stop the cruel Russian expansionist drive. We therefore remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine.”
Source: Netherlands Ministry of Defence
