Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a NOK 12 billion (USD 1.08 billion) contract with the Netherlands for advanced air defense systems. The deal includes six NASAMS medium-range systems and four NOMADS short-range systems. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2028, according to State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman. The systems will feature ranges of 50 km and 15 km, respectively, enhancing the Netherlands’ defense against UAVs and cruise missiles. The Dutch Ministry of Defence highlighted the acquisition’s role in strengthening national maneuver air defense capabilities. Original news
Category: Netherlands
Brazil sees highest defence exports in a decade
Brazil’s defense exports hit an 11-year high in 2024, reaching BRL9.53 billion (USD1.57 billion) by the end of October, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Defence. This record surpassed the previous high of USD1.62 billion set in 2021 and easily exceeded 2023’s total of USD1.45 billion. The main exports this year included fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, light weapons, ammunition, and engineering services. Key deals featured the sale of Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft to Austria, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, along with A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to Paraguay and Uruguay. Brazil’s rising defense exports reflect its growing presence in the […]
Netherlands orders 12 H225M helicopters for special operations
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has contracted Airbus for 12 H225M Caracal helicopters to equip special operations forces, replacing the aging AS532 Cougar fleet. Vice-Admiral Jan Willem Hartman and Airbus CEO Bruno Even signed the contract at the Euronaval trade show. Originally, the Netherlands aimed to purchase 14 helicopters, but budget limits reduced the order to 12. These helicopters will come with specialized configurations and advanced systems. Deliveries are expected between 2030 and 2032 due to the complexities of technical integration and production demands. Original news
Netherlands plans to procure Mjölner 120 mm armoured mortar vehicles
The Netherlands plans to acquire CV90 Mjölner 120 mm armored mortar vehicles to strengthen its mortar capabilities. These CV90 vehicles will feature dual-barrel 120 mm mortar turrets. They will also be equipped with advanced artillery fire-control systems similar to those on the Royal Netherlands Army’s Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers. This acquisition reflects the Netherlands’ commitment to modernizing its military technology and increasing artillery precision. The news was revealed at the Future Mortar Systems 2024 conference in London. Original news
Pentagon Invests $800 Million In Ukrainian Drone Production
The United States is providing Ukraine with $800 million to enhance domestic long-range drone production, empowering Kyiv to counter Russian aggression with its own weaponry. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin highlighted Ukraine’s capability to mass-produce effective, long-range drones, supporting deep strikes against Russian targets. This assistance not only bolsters Ukraine’s military capacity but also relieves pressure on Western arms production amid increased global demand. Unlike restricted missile use, there are no limitations on Ukraine’s deployment of drones, which are economical and can achieve strategic disruption against Russian assets. Additionally, allies like Denmark, Canada, and the Netherlands are contributing to […]
European next-generation rotorcraft programme moves closer to reality through new MoU
Launched in 2020, the NATO-managed Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program aims to replace medium multi-role helicopters reaching the end of their life cycle by 2035. Five European nations—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the program, with concept design work expected to start in 2026. The countries aim to select a single replacement solution by 2027, targeting development by 2030. In 2024, NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded contracts to Airbus, Leonardo, and Sikorsky for integrated platform concept studies, with final reports due in October 2025. The NGRC will replace […]
Dutch Navy to buy armed sidekick ships for its air-defense frigates
The Netherlands plans to purchase two support vessels to enhance the air defense and firepower capabilities of its Navy, with an investment between €250 million and €1 billion. These vessels will assist air-defense frigates by carrying additional missiles to counter anti-ship missile and drone swarms, and support amphibious operations using long-range loitering munitions. Dutch shipyard Damen will build the vessels, equipped with Barak ER surface-to-air interceptors and other systems from Israel Aerospace Industries. These versatile ships will feature modular equipment that can be swapped based on mission needs and will be operational by 2027. The investment is part of a […]