Defense expands capacity: radars, recovery vehicles, and casualty trains

A key focus of the departing State Secretary is: deliver, deliver, deliver. He is fully committing to this with these projects in his final week.

The North Sea is of strategic importance to the Netherlands and its allies, both economically and militarily. The area hosts vital infrastructure essential for energy supply and communication. Think of oil and gas platforms, underwater pipelines, wind farms, and data cables. These are vulnerable to sabotage and hybrid threats. This poses a major security risk.

Currently, Defence has insufficient visibility of so-called dark vessels. These are ships trying to remain unnoticed by turning off their transponders. The navy will therefore receive additional radar systems to better track such movements. The new radars are also capable of detecting objects smaller than 50 meters, making them suitable to detect flying objects such as drones.

The systems are supplied by a Dutch company. Defence has maintenance performed by Rijkswaterstaat and the supplier. For data exchange, the existing connection between the Coast Guard center and the navy is used.

The Netherlands is preparing for a possible large-scale conflict. The importance of combat capacity for the army has therefore greatly increased. The heavy and medium infantry brigades will receive additional recovery capacity.

Defence intends to purchase FFG Wisent-2 armored tracked recovery tanks from the German company. These are intended for the new tank battalion and the new armored infantry battalion. The recovery tanks must safely recover stranded or damaged equipment during operations, even under enemy fire. The recovery vehicles include remotely operated weapon stations, ammunition, spare parts, and IT equipment.

The Wisent-2 is built on the chassis of the Leopard-2 tank and can be bought off the shelf. This reduces risks of delays and cost overruns. Defence deliberately chooses simplicity. The simpler the system, the easier the use, maintenance, and training. It also allows faster production to replenish potential losses. Within the partnership with FFG, the Dutch industry will also play a role.

Defence is also acquiring casualty trains for long-distance transport of war casualties. Currently, the organization still uses ambulances and helicopters, among others. For longer-distance transport, for example to the emergency hospital, Defence will in the future have the C-390 Millennium. This transport aircraft will replace the C-130 transport aircraft from 2027 onwards.

In a large-scale conflict, the chance of significant numbers of casualties is high. Therefore, Defence needs additional transport options that can carry many casualties at once. For this, Defence is purchasing Dutch trains. Their conversion will also take place in the Netherlands.