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Dutch Minister Pledges Major Contribution to US Air Defense Initiative for Ukraine
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The Netherlands has announced that it will make a significant contribution to the US initiative aimed at providing additional air defense to Ukraine. Minister Ruben Brekelmans made the announcement during a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on July 21.
In a press release on the Dutch Ministry of Defence website, the Minister has stressed, “The Russian terror campaign from the air has reached new lows daily in recent times. Russia’s goal is simple: to break the steadfastness of the Ukrainians. We cannot allow this to happen.”
“Therefore, we want to substantially contribute to additional air defense for Ukraine. A lot has already been done, but more is needed. Only by continuously and massively supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia will we force Russia to the negotiating table,” Brekelmans emphasized.
Patriot air defense systems are both scarce and expensive, Dutch Ministry of Defence claims. The Netherlands have already supplied a complete system and missiles to Ukraine.
Met defensieministers spreken we digitaal over steun aan Oekraïne.
— Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin) July 21, 2025
Nederland zal substantieel bijdragen aan levering van Amerikaanse luchtverdediging (Patriots). Details worden snel uitgewerkt.
Ook leveren wij zelf meer luchtafweer: F16-munitie, counter-drones, radars etc. 🇳🇱🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/AK5Le5nXRn
In a post on X Minister of Defence has said, “Talking digitally with defense ministers about support for Ukraine.”
“The Netherlands will contribute substantially to the delivery of US air defense (Patriots). Details will be worked out soon,” Brekelmans stated.
“We will also supply more air defense ourselves: F16 munitions, counter-drones, radars, etc,” he concluded.
There is ongoing and frequent consultation with the United States and other allies regarding the US initiative to supply additional weapon systems, including air defense systems such as Patriots, press release claims.
The Dutch government has previously stated the importance of all of Europe contributing.
Brekelmans remarked, “Ukraine is protecting the frontline against Russian aggression for all of Europe. If Russia breaks through, it will pose a direct and greater threat to the rest of Europe and NATO.”
The specific details of the Dutch contribution will be finalized shortly in close coordination with NATO, the US, and other allies.
“We expect to be able to announce more on this soon,” Brekelmans said.The Dutch Ministry of Defence has also stated that providing air defense is a key priority for the Netherlands in its military support for Ukraine. In addition to a complete Patriot system, the Netherlands has already delivered 24 F-16 fighter jets, along with associated ammunition and spare parts, several anti-aircraft guns, and I-HAWK systems.
The country is also providing Ukraine with drone detection radars and maritime vessels equipped with air defense systems.
Previously, the Netherlands have pledged €700 million for drone production, with a portion of the investment allocated to Ukraine’s defense industry.
