Nederländerna sätter upp en ny stridsvagns-bataljon. Köper 50 Leopard 2A8 - Rheinmetall.

av AFFK 2024-09-04, 11:05

Breaking News: Netherlands to announce creation of new tank battalion with 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks.

According to NRC on September 3, 2024, in a new Defense Memorandum scheduled for presentation this Thursday, the Dutch government outlines plans to establish a new Dutch tank battalion consisting of nearly fifty Leopard 2A8 tanks, with estimated annual costs ranging between 260 million and 315 million euros. This plan represents a shift in the defense strategy of the Netherlands, as the Dutch Army is set to acquire its own battle tanks once again.

Nederländerna sätter upp en ny stridsvagns-bataljon. Köper 50 Leopard 2A8 - Rheinmetall. Nether10

The Leopard 2A8 is the latest variant in the Leopard 2 series of main battle tanks, developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall, and unveiled in its production form at Eurosatory 2024

The Defense Memorandum will be presented by Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans and State Secretary Gijs Tuinman. Under the coalition agreement, the government has committed to meeting the NATO standard for defense spending, set at 2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To achieve this, the Defense Budget, currently at 21.4 billion euros or 1.95 percent of GDP, will be structurally increased by 2.4 billion euros. This additional funding will provide for several critical allocations, including the establishment of a new tank battalion, which had previously been discontinued due to budget constraints.

The decision to phase out tanks in 2011 has been a long-standing issue for the Royal Netherlands Army. Re-establishing a tank battalion, a proposal previously calculated by former Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, is projected to cost between 260 million and 315 million euros annually. These costs include the purchase of new tanks, operational and personnel expenses for about 350 military personnel, and related expenditures, such as the maintenance of storage facilities and other infrastructure over fifteen years. The financial means for this initiative were not available within the existing Defense Budget.

With this decision, the government addresses the preferences of a majority in the House of Representatives and meets the requirements set by NATO. The NATO Defense Capability Review in June noted that the Dutch land forces did not possess sufficient firepower to achieve the objective of providing both a "heavy" and a "medium" infantry brigade during wartime. The new tank battalion is intended to help meet these objectives. The return of tanks comes thirteen years after the last Leopard 2 tanks were phased out.

av **Admin** 2024-09-05, 15:36

[size=45]Netherlands Officially Confirms Spectacular Strengthening of Its Armed Forces.[/size]
05.Sep.2024

This long-awaited plan marks the return of the Dutch army to the acquisition and operation of battle tanks, a capability that had been abandoned in 2011 due to budget constraints. The new battalion will include around 350 soldiers and will help meet NATO's defense spending and operational capability requirements.

In addition to strengthening existing capabilities, the Netherlands is focusing on innovation within the defense industry. This aims to stimulate the production of military equipment tailored to current and future needs, an essential step to ensure the long-term defense capabilities of the Netherlands and its allies.

These measures come at a critical time. After a long period of peace in Europe, the security situation has changed considerably, and the Netherlands is playing an active role in deterring potential adversaries. Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized the importance of these investments: "The best way to prevent war is to keep potential adversaries at a distance. This requires credible, strong, and innovative armed forces."

The 2024 Defense Note responds to NATO's increased demands, which call for investments in heavier combat capabilities for land operations. Brekelmans also pointed to Russia's continued aggression in Ukraine as an example of the growing threats at Europe's borders: "An attack on NATO is no longer unthinkable. This would have profound consequences for the security and prosperity of the Netherlands."

Although the tanks that will make up this new battalion have not been specified, there are many rumours that the German Leopard 2A8 tank will be the favorite.

With this Defense Note, the Netherlands is taking a major step in strengthening its military position and in joint efforts to ensure stability in Europe. Together with its allies, the Netherlands remains committed to fending off potential threats and protecting the security of the country and its citizens.

av AFFK 2024-09-06, 09:22

Senaste info:
Netherlands MoD will acquire:
• 46 Leopard 2A8 tanks, with an option for 6 more
• 2 additional ASW frigates, bringing the future fleet to 4
• 6 extra F-35 fighters, for a future total of 58
• 6 extra maritime NH-90 helos, for a future fleet of 25

@Admin

Nederländerna sätter upp en ny stridsvagns-bataljon. Köper 50 Leopard 2A8 - Rheinmetall.

Nederländerna sätter upp en ny stridsvagns-bataljon. Köper 50 Leopard 2A8 - Rheinmetall.

Sv: Nederländerna sätter upp en ny stridsvagns-bataljon. Köper 50 Leopard 2A8 - Rheinmetall.

Sv: Nederländerna sätter upp en ny stridsvagns-bataljon. Köper 50 Leopard 2A8 - Rheinmetall.