Not only does the Netherlands have insufficient defense capabilities and ammunition, but we have lost a lot of know-how by cutting Defense for thirty years. We have also forgotten how to spend a military budget correctly. “We should actually have a new defense memorandum,” says defense specialist Patrick Bolder of the Center for Strategic Studies in The Hague.
It’s no secret that the current Dutch defense capability is not in good shape. Bolder summarizes: ‘We have no more supplies, air defense – there is almost none, we have no more long-range ammunition for artillery, we could only deliver two launch installations to the German and American patriots heading for Ukraine.’
He continues: “We have a huge shortage of refueling aircraft to refuel other aircraft in flight. We don’t even have many transport planes.’ ‘We had the M270, sort of a double HIMAR, but on rails. We will buy it again. Handsome.’
“We are low on supplies, air defense – there is almost none of that”
Despite this latest impetus, the Netherlands must therefore invest heavily in its defense. Not only because our national defense is a constitutional duty, but also to fulfill our NATO obligations and be able to supply Ukraine if needed.
How, where and with whom?
With that conclusion made, three questions are relevant: How do you spend that money? To whom? And with which European countries do you coordinate those purchases? Because if everyone orders the same thing, not only will prices go up, but purchases may not fit into a common European defense plan.
To start posting. According to Bolder, “it will be difficult to put the money aside”. After all, according to the defense specialist, we are only used to austerity. “In that savings, we also got rid of contract managers and expertise on how to compete and how to buy.” Bolder thinks it will be some time before we have enough experience again to make decent purchases.
Defense note
And what should you spend it on? “Actually we should have a new defense memorandum. What are the tasks where Defense really has to be strong?’ The question is closely linked to the question of coordination, because according to Bolder all European countries are grappling with the same problem. The motto is: don’t all enter the market at the same time. “Those arms dealers are already rubbing their hands. They see all those customers coming in at the same time, then the prices go up again. Then we pay too much money for things that are already expensive.’
‘We should actually have a new defense memorandum. What are the tasks where Defense really has to be strong?’
European coordination
A possible European vehicle for this coordination is the European Defense Agency. “That might mean something too. America wants us to spend more money, especially on American stuff. But it is also important for our economy that we also spend it in Europe.’
But anyone who wants to spend their defense budget in Europe will run into the problem, according to Bolder, that there are only “a limited number of European arms makers making really good stuff.” And this is in line with the ‘vice’ that an exception clause applies to the common market for the defense industry in Europe.
Article 346 of the European procurement rules gives countries the possibility to follow their own procurement procedure on the basis of security interests. As a result, there is actually no competition for domestic arms manufacturers, for which they are used to “being served”.
What also does not contribute to a “healthy” and innovative arms industry is that large institutional investors are increasingly reluctant to invest in it. According to Bolder, the industry can’t innovate because of this and old production lines are being used, “so they’re completely behind.”
Protectionism
Article 346 actually opens the door to protectionism and “this does not really favor international cooperation in this sector, nor mutual trust between European member states”. Never mind the need for insight into gun purchases. For both the Netherlands and Europe. Do we want tanks or planes? Or do we want artillery, more drones, more cyber or do we want more space resources? And how does it all work together? How to build a coherent armed force, also together with other countries?’
‘What will the new security order look like? How do we deal with a new Iron Curtain?’
In any case, a European-level approach to rearmament will be important. ‘What will the new security order look like? How do we deal with a new Iron Curtain? With a new cold war? How will we organize the security of the European continent? I think NATO should talk about this too.’
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
