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 broader effort to protect the North Sea’s critical infrastructure from growing threats, including potential sabotage from Russian activity.
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