The Netherlands has pledged a substantial maritime support package to Ukraine, valued at around €400m ($455m), aimed at enhancing the country’s naval capabilities amid ongoing threats in the Black Sea and surrounding waterways.
Dutch Minister for Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, made the announcement during the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Brussels, Belgium.
The package includes more than 100 fast patrol boats and military vessels designed for special operations. It also incorporates dozens of maritime drones.
The vessels are outfitted with a variety of sensors, weapons, and communication systems. The initial deliveries have commenced and are scheduled to continue through to 2026.
Minister Brekelmans emphasised the significance of the support, stating, “It is an important package to strengthen the maritime security of Ukraine. We see that the Russian threat on the Black Sea and the Dnieper River, among other places, is only increasing.”
He highlighted the critical nature of the Black Sea port of Odessa and its trade routes, which are vital to the Ukrainian economy, underscoring the necessity of robust maritime protection.
In addition to the naval equipment, the Netherlands is investing €20m in the Maritime Regional Training Centre, where Ukrainian marines are receiving training. This investment covers weapons, ammunition, and both personal and tactical gear.
Furthermore, Minister Brekelmans mentioned the recent delivery of the last Dutch F-16s to Ukraine, expressing gratitude to Denmark and the US for their partnership in the Air Force Capability Coalition, which facilitated this transfer.
He concluded: “But that’s not the end of the job. Our work continues with the training of pilots, maintenance personnel and other ground personnel. We also continue to support the Ukrainian Air Force in terms of parts, infrastructure and ammunition.”
In December 2024, the government of Norway pledged Nkr2.7bn ($240.9m) to support the Ukrainian Navy, as part of the Nansen Support Programme for the war-torn country.
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