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Netherlands Announces $95M Drone Package to Bolster Ukraine’s Long-Range Strikes
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
The Netherlands is stepping up its military support for Ukraine with a new $95 million package focused on drone production, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced during a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels on October 15.
Brekelmans underscored the critical need for sustained support to Ukraine, highlighting the relentless wave of Russian airstrikes that continue to batter the country’s energy infrastructure. He echoed warnings from Ukrainian officials, who have cautioned that the coming winter could prove to be the most challenging yet since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
According to the minister, the new package will fund both reconnaissance and strike drones, tapping into Ukraine’s existing industrial capacity.
“We need to make sure that we keep continuous flow of support to Ukraine. And the Netherlands is doing more than ever,” he said. “A few days ago I announced $211 million in support. Today, I’m announcing a $95 million package for drones—both ISR drones and attack drones.”
Brekelmans emphasized that helping Ukraine scaling drone production is a strategic priority. “Putin now feels he gains with every day of continuing Russian aggression in Ukraine,” he warned. “We need to make sure that the cost for Putin goes up.”
He underlined that long-term commitments—through both bilateral support and mechanisms like frozen Russian assets—will be essential. “We should keep supporting Ukraine with deep strikes capacities,” Brekelmans stated.
Earlier, Ukraine received an Alkmaar-class minehunter from the Netherlands, a transfer Kyiv says will strengthen its efforts to launch a comprehensive mine-clearing operation in the Black Sea and along the country’s coastline.
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