-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
The Netherlands has announced a €400 million investment to support the development of reconnaissance, combat, and other drones for Ukraine. The announcement was made following the Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans’ visit to Ukraine.
Brekelmans posted on X (Twitter), stating that nearly half of the drones will be developed in the Netherlands as part of a broader cooperation.
We continue to take a leading role in supporting Ukraine.
— Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin) October 6, 2024
That’s why, during my visit to Kharkiv and Kyiv, I’m announcing a Drone Action Plan.
With €400M, we will provide advanced drones for reconnaissance, defense, and attack. Nearly half will be developed in the Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/eDNigQFgoF
The funding is part of the Netherlands' drone action plan for Ukraine, which aims to accelerate the production of advanced prototypes. Brekelmans highlighted the Netherlands' previous role in providing F-16 fighters and Patriot systems and confirmed that this collaboration with Ukraine will focus on cutting-edge drones for reconnaissance, defense, and attack operations.
According to Brekelmans, combining Dutch technological knowledge with Ukraine’s battlefield experience will result in innovative and effective unmanned aerial vehicles. He emphasized that this initiative aims to develop and test prototypes quickly, and successful designs will receive additional funds for mass production.
The drone initiative follows an agreement between the Netherlands and Ukraine to support Ukrainian arms manufacturers, which was signed by the former Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren in June 2024.
