Weekly overview of defence operations | News | defence.nl

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The fleet had entered the so-called exclusive economic zone of the Netherlands from the south. As a result, the navy took over escort duties from its Belgian counterparts.

Russian ships frequently pass through the area. Internationally agreed rights of free passage apply. However, the Navy monitors such fleet connections. This is to emphasize vigilance.

The five Russian ships may be on their way back to their home port after being deployed in the Mediterranean.

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Lithuania

The Dutch armored infantry taught the Belgian scouts how to clear enemy trenches. How to plan a “burglary”? How to navigate through narrow corridors, blind spots and numerous intersections? Trenches usually have a zigzag pattern. This is to cause as little damage as possible in the event of a mortar attack, for example. Bends and branches make it difficult to get an overview. The enemy may be hiding behind every corner.

In Ukraine, the fighting also takes place partly in the trenches. By training together on tactics and procedures, the soldiers are prepared for real situations.

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.

Red Sea

Ms. Zr. Karel Dorman has been deployed to the Red Sea for Operation Aspides. Aspides is designed to promote security and free passage in the region. The Red Sea is a vital shipping route between the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean. Houthi rebels have been battling merchant ships with missiles and drones.

The Karel Doorman provides fuel to the international military fleet that these ships accompany. The logistical support ship also provides medical capabilities.

The Pentagon also sent two staff officers to the U.S.-led Operation Guardians of Prosperity, which serves the same purpose as ASPIDE.

Ms. Tromp

As part of the Pacific Archer voyage, the USS Tromp will sail through the South China Sea and visit countries in the region. In the letter, the Navy stressed the importance of maritime security and stability in the region. The ship has now docked in Haiphong, Vietnam, strengthening diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam. USS Tromp conducted a maritime sailing exercise with the Vietnamese Navy.

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Iraq

Lieutenant General Cass Schruss has taken over command of NATO’s mission in Iraq (NMI). This meant that the mission fell into Dutch hands for the first time. As force commander, Schruers had to manage the agreement between NATO participants and the Iraqi government.

The Netherlands provided NMI with three Chinook transport helicopters, among others. These aircraft are used to supply and transport advisors, troops and equipment. The associated air detachment consists of 120 soldiers.

In addition, approximately 110 members of the 11th Aviation Brigade are responsible for force protection within the NMI together with Spain. 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 through training, advising and assisting the defence and security sectors. The staff includes five Dutch soldiers and five Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees who act as advisors.

In Erbil, Iraq, five Dutch soldiers remain as advisers to Kurdish forces fighting ISIS. They are part of Operation Inherent Resolve. Three staff officers have been assigned to the mission’s headquarters: one in Kuwait and two in Baghdad.

The National Support Unit supports the Dutch contribution in Baghdad, Erbil and Al Asad Air Base.

middle East

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.

Ten Dutch soldiers have been serving as observers on the borders between Israel and Lebanon and between Israel and Syria for some time. They do this for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), which has two more soldiers stationed at its headquarters in Jerusalem.

A Dutch gender adviser works at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) headquarters in Naqoura, Lebanon.

In Jerusalem and Ramallah, six Dutch nationals are involved in the work of the US Security Coordinators (USSC). This involves two civilians and four military personnel. 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.

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.

Eleven 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 based.

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:

• 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.
• The MS Zr. Groningen is a station ship in the Caribbean Sea. Missions include supporting the Caribbean Coast Guard, providing humanitarian assistance and conducting counter-drug operations.
• 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 27 explosive devices across 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 the Netherlands.
• The Ministry of Defence helps to host Ukrainian and Afghan refugees as well as asylum seekers from other countries. This happens at Zeist and Legerplaats Harskamp in Ede. The Ministry of Defence also donated 1,500 bunk beds that it had previously loaned to the Red Cross.