THE HAGUE, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren on Wednesday unveiled an extra defense budget of billions of U.S. dollars, calling it "the largest investment" in the country's armed forces since the end of the Cold War.
The Dutch government will spend an extra 5 billion euros (5.3 billion U.S. dollars) on defense this year and will add 14.8 billion euros to the defense budget up to and including 2025.
The Netherlands will thus meet the guideline of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to spend 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense in 2024 and 2025, according to a memorandum sent by Ollongren to the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
With the decision, the Netherlands is building "agile and future-proof armed forces" by investing in people, support, equipment and cooperation, the minister said.
The Dutch military aims to increase its operational readiness, deployability and combat power, according to the memorandum. Firepower on land, sea and in the air will be increased, including armored howitzers and long-range missiles for frigates and submarines.
It also intends to expand its F-35 fighter jet fleet from 46 to 52, and double the number of its MQ-9 Reaper drones from four to eight. (1 euro = 1.07 U.S. dollar) ■
