The Kingdom of the Netherlands will be technically fully prepared for a potential conflict with Russia by 2028, according to official government statements. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Gijs Tuinman, the State Secretary for the Ministry of Defense, announced this timeline during a broadcast on the BNR radio station.
The government official noted that the army's arsenal will be significantly strengthened by the specified deadline to meet evolving security challenges. Gijs Tuinman detailed the planned military expansion, stating:
“New tank units will be brought to full readiness. Additional F-35 fighter jets will enrich our arsenal. Furthermore, modern artillery systems that have been ordered will be delivered to the country.”
Tuinman also emphasized that as part of preparations for large-scale conflicts, the Ministry of Defense plans to acquire radar systems to ensure the security of the North Sea, armored vehicles, and specialized trains capable of functioning as mobile hospitals for the transport of the wounded. This strategic buildup comes amid heightened security concerns in Europe following the escalation of regional tensions. The Netherlands, a founding member of NATO, has recently committed to increasing its defense spending to meet the alliance's target of 2% of GDP, reflecting a broader trend among European nations to modernize their military infrastructure and enhance collective deterrence capabilities.
