Where defense has been a block on the leg of Hague politicians for years, the tide seems to have turned after the war in Ukraine. Last week, the House of Representatives passed a motion to inventory the purchase of new tank battalions. And this while then Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis sold all Leopard tanks to Finland in 2013.
The possible acquisition of our tanks is good news, says CDA deputy and former soldier Harmen Krul. Especially since the Netherlands can thus meet the NATO requirement that each member state must spend two percent of its GDP on defence. “NATO has considered that the ground forces of the Netherlands are insufficient, both quantitatively and qualitatively,” says Krul. “They think it is right that we work with Germany in the joint unit, but there must be room inside it for our tank battalion.”
“NATO considers that the ground forces of the Netherlands are insufficient in quantity and quality”
Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and defense specialist Patrick Bolder of the Center for Strategic Studies in The Hague disagrees. While having his own tanks sounds like a good plan, he points out that they are much more than just tanks. ‘Combat power isn’t just with tanks; it’s about the whole chain that surrounds it,’ he says.
Safety
He argues that tanks can only be deployed if security is guaranteed, which in turn is only possible if the airspace is clear. “So you should focus primarily on air superiority and air defense design,” Bolder continues. “Not just over the battlefield, but over cities, ports and airfields as well.”
Especially as the Russians adjust their strategy accordingly, you know. “They fire a lot of missiles at cities and civilians, after which Ukraine contracts its air defenses so they can’t be deployed over the battlefield.”
Boxing
With this, even the idea of air superiority falls into thin air, and the Ukrainian and Russian tanks are diametrically opposed. Bolder: “So they’re fighting a symmetrical conflict there, with a lot of casualties.”
Therefore, if a wholly owned tank battalion is deployed, this will result in the necessary investment in the air force. Especially since a sequence must also be considered, he knows it. “First you need to make sure the air is clear before you get into ground combat.”
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.
