Weekly overview of defence operations | News | defence.nl

News | June 26, 2024 | 12:00

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During the operation on May 31, a Dash-8 patrol aircraft of the Caribbean Coast Guard spotted a suspicious vessel at night. Groningen, which was already in the area at the time, panicked and immediately deployed a speedboat (FRISC). After a chase, they forced the so-called speeder to stop. The amount of cocaine seized was about 3,000 kilograms. The four suspects and the drugs have been handed over to the US Coast Guard.

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A few days later, another batch of contraband was seized in Groningen during a drug bust. The operation was carried out in cooperation with the support ship Zr.Ms. Pelican. The crews of the two naval vessels recovered from the water the drug packages thrown overboard by the smugglers, totaling 316 kg. The US Coast Guard destroyed the batch.

Since April 2024, the Zr. Groningen has been sailing in the Caribbean as a station ship. Among other things, it is used for counter-drug operations. This is done in rotation in cooperation with the US Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard. See an overview of all drug seizures since 2022.

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Lithuania

The soldiers of the Lithuanian battle group were engaged in a tough competition. It was also a kind of training. During the 20-kilometer-long high-speed march, they were tested on speed, endurance and military skills. For the latter, think about making fire, assembling weapons and tying knots.

Since 2017, the Netherlands has been helping NATO to strengthen its forward presence in Lithuania. The Ministry of Defence is currently providing between 270 and 300 soldiers. The presence of international forces in Lithuania demonstrates NATO’s readiness and solidarity with the Lithuanian people.

Training Ukrainian soldiers

• In Operation Interflex, Dutch trainers provide basic training to Ukrainian recruits in the UK. This happens on a large scale. Ukrainian soldiers receive courses in tactical operations, shooting, weapons knowledge and explosive ordnance disposal. After a five-week process, they head to the front lines.
• 14 Dutch F-16 fighters are in service at the F-16 training center in Romania. These aircraft are intended for training Ukrainian and Romanian pilots.
• Around 150 soldiers from the Airmobile Brigade are training Ukrainian forces in Germany. This is done under the banner of the European Training Mission EUMAM. Weapons operations, operations in urbanized areas, and command and control are central. The Ministry of Defense provides 1 EUMAM officer to the Brussels headquarters. Six soldiers are also serving at the Special Training Command in Strausberg, Germany, and the Special Training Command in Zagan, Poland. The officer is based at the Combined Arms Training Command.
• The Netherlands has also provided several soldiers to the US-led Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U) headquarters and the International Donor Coordination Centre (IDCC) in Wiesbaden, Germany. This involves cooperation with the advanced logistics work site in Rzeszów, Poland, where several Dutch soldiers are also working.

Defending the NATO Treaty Area

The Armed Forces provide ships, ground forces and aircraft for the primary mission of national defense: the joint defense of the NATO Treaty Area.

Ongoing overseas business:

• In Iraq, Al Asad Air Base has a helicopter detachment of up to 120 personnel equipped with three Chinook transport helicopters. The Air Force contingent supports NATO’s mission in Iraq (NMI) and Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) against the Islamic State. Chinook helicopters are used to resupply and transport advisors, troops and equipment.
• Additionally, in Iraq, a force of up to 11 aviation brigades with 145 members is responsible, together with Spain, for force protection within the NMI. The company protects military and civilian advisers in and around Baghdad. The NMI aims to strengthen security and stability in Iraq and reduce the threat of terrorism. This is achieved by training, advising and assisting the defence and security services. The staff includes 5 Dutch soldiers and 5 employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who act as advisers.
• In Erbil, Iraq, five Dutch soldiers remain as advisors to Kurdish forces fighting ISIS. They are part of OIR. Three staff officers have been assigned to the mission headquarters: one in Kuwait and two in Baghdad. The National Support Unit supports the Dutch contribution in Baghdad, Erbil and Al Asad Air Base.
• NMI is led by a Dutch commander. In addition to five military advisers, there are more than 10 Dutch staff officers working at NMI headquarters.
• In the Middle East, 10 Dutch soldiers have been serving as observers for some time in the border areas between Israel and Lebanon and between Israel and Syria. They do this for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO). The UNTSO has two more soldiers stationed at its headquarters in Jerusalem. A Dutch gender adviser works at the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) in Naqoura, Lebanon.
• In Jerusalem and Ramallah, 4 Dutch nationals are involved in the work of the US Security Coordinators (USSC). This involves 2 civilians and 2 soldiers. The mission focuses on the professionalization of the Palestinian security sector. The USSC seeks to contribute to the viability of a stable Palestinian state. The United States coordinates this mission.
• In the Red Sea HNLMS. Karel Dorman is deployed to take part in Operation ASPIDES. The aim of this is to promote security and free passage in the region. The Red Sea is a vital route between the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean. Houthi rebels have been battling merchant ships with missiles and drones. The Karel Dorman provides fuel to the international military flotilla that is accompanying these ships. The logistical support ship also provides medical capabilities. The Ministry of Defence has also sent two staff officers to the US-led Operation Guardians of Prosperity. It serves the same purpose as ASPIDES. The Netherlands has also sent a force commander and a staff member to the ASPIDES headquarters.
• A company of around 150 marines contributes to the EUFOR Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The unit undertakes a variety of tasks: from patrolling to crowd and riot control, as well as providing support as a rapid reaction force anywhere in the country. Six Dutch staff officers and an BroadCast Unitedligence team are also based in the country. They contribute to the proper management of the mission by EUFOR Althea headquarters.
• The Air Force has deployed three Dutch MQ-9 Reapers in Romania to collect information on the eastern flank of the NATO zone. About 40 soldiers with MQ-9 are stationed at a military base in the Romanian city of Luna. They are responsible for the maintenance and monitoring of unmanned equipment and the necessary connections. Flying the aircraft and processing the collected information is carried out at the Leeuwarden Air Base. About 100 soldiers are still involved.
• Belgium and the Netherlands command the European Maritime Awareness Operation (EMASoH) in the Strait of Hormuz. The mission focuses on easing tensions in the Gulf. By being aware of what is happening, the operation also facilitates the safe passage of civilian ships.
• Dutch soldiers also contribute to various headquarters and forward mission posts. Military and police personnel are deployed to Rota, Spain (EU NAVFOR), Bahrain (Joint Maritime Force), Kosovo (EULEX) and Qatar (Operation Inherent Resolve).

Domestic Business/Operations:

• The Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal Agency destroyed 50 explosive items that were located throughout the country.
• Dutch airspace is monitored 24/7 by the air operations control station Nieuw Milligen. Dutch and Belgian fighter jets are used alternately to protect the entire Benelux. Currently this task is undertaken by Belgium.
• Due to the conflict between Hamas and Israel, an Air Force contingent is on standby in the Netherlands to provide humanitarian assistance or possible evacuation. This also applies to troops from the Marine Corps and the Air Mobile Brigade.
• The defense helps to host Ukrainian and Afghan refugees as well as asylum seekers from other countries. This happens at Zeist in Ede and Legerplaats Harskamp.