Super Puma resurgence provides updraft for Airbus Helicopters annual order growth

Super Puma resurgence provides updraft for Airbus Helicopters annual order growth
Super Puma resurgence provides updraft for Airbus Helicopters annual order growth

“It’s really a strong performance [from the Super Puma], confirming that this helicopter is really well positioned and meeting well the demand of our customers,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO.

Swedish Gripen jets don’t ‘make sense’ for Ukraine yet, Dutch defense chief says

Swedish Gripen jets don’t ‘make sense’ for Ukraine yet, Dutch defense chief says
Swedish Gripen jets don’t ‘make sense’ for Ukraine yet, Dutch defense chief says

Chief of Defence of the Netherlands Gen. Onno Eichelsheim told Breaking Defense that F-16s are already in play and that Ukraine doesn’t have the pilots to man new, complex systems.

Netherlands orders 12 H225M helicopters for special operations

Netherlands orders 12 H225M helicopters for special operations
Netherlands orders 12 H225M helicopters for special operations

In October, The Netherlands also announced that a new unit, 300 Special Operations Squadron, based at Gilze-Rijen Air Base, southern Netherlands, had been formally stood up to support the future rotary fleet.

Netherlands and France’s Naval Group shake on Barracuda submarine delivery contract

Netherlands and France’s Naval Group shake on Barracuda submarine delivery contract
Netherlands and France’s Naval Group shake on Barracuda submarine delivery contract

The manufacturer did not disclose a contract value but a letter shared by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence with lawmakers, previously valued an “investment budget,” covering construction of the four vessels and other costs up to 2039, at €5.6 ($6.2 billion).

South Korea cleared to buy ‘up to’ 36 new Apache AH-64E helicopters

South Korea cleared to buy ‘up to’ 36 new Apache AH-64E helicopters
South Korea cleared to buy ‘up to’ 36 new Apache AH-64E helicopters

In addition, the State Department announced three other Foreign Military Sales approvals, for the Netherlands, Finland and Australia.

First F-16 fighter jets on their way to Ukraine, to fly ‘this summer’

First F-16 fighter jets on their way to Ukraine, to fly ‘this summer’
First F-16 fighter jets on their way to Ukraine, to fly ‘this summer’

The long-awaited deliveries of the aircraft could represent a major uplift in capability for Ukraine, which has been largely relying on Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-27 combat jets to counter Russia’s invasion.

Outgoing Dutch PM Rutte set to become new NATO Secretary General

Outgoing Dutch PM Rutte set to become new NATO Secretary General
Outgoing Dutch PM Rutte set to become new NATO Secretary General

With the support of Hungary’s Victor Orban, few issues appear to stand in the way of Mark Rutte taking the post over from longtime NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.

Netherlands says first Embraer C-390 delivery from joint buy with Austria is delayed to 2027

Netherlands says first Embraer C-390 delivery from joint buy with Austria is delayed to 2027
Netherlands says first Embraer C-390 delivery from joint buy with Austria is delayed to 2027

Dutch State Secretary of Defence Christophe Van der Maat said that an original 2026 delivery timeline “turned out not to be feasible due to cooperation with Austria and negotiations with the manufacturer.”

Eight ‘capability coalitions’ are rushing arms to Ukraine. Here’s who will donate what. (EXPLAINER)

Eight ‘capability coalitions’ are rushing arms to Ukraine. Here’s who will donate what. (EXPLAINER)
Eight ‘capability coalitions’ are rushing arms to Ukraine. Here’s who will donate what. (EXPLAINER)

NATO has established eight different capability coalitions designed to get critical systems or ammo into Ukrainian hands quickly. Here’s a deep dive into how they’re all faring.

France’s Naval Group picked to build 4 Barracuda-class subs for Dutch military

France’s Naval Group picked to build 4 Barracuda-class subs for Dutch military
France’s Naval Group picked to build 4 Barracuda-class subs for Dutch military

A precise cost for the submarines was not provided, but the Ministry of Defense told parliamentarians in a letter that the “investment budget” is €5.6 billion ($6.1 billion).

EXCLUSIVE: F-35A officially certified to carry nuclear bomb

EXCLUSIVE: F-35A officially certified to carry nuclear bomb
EXCLUSIVE: F-35A officially certified to carry nuclear bomb

The designation marks the first time that a stealth fighter can carry a nuclear weapon, in this case the B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb.

Court orders Netherlands to stop export of F-35 parts to Israel in 7 days over Gaza concerns

Court orders Netherlands to stop export of F-35 parts to Israel in 7 days over Gaza concerns
Court orders Netherlands to stop export of F-35 parts to Israel in 7 days over Gaza concerns

The move is largely symbolic, as Israel doesn’t “need the F-35 for the operations they are currently conducting over Gaza, ” Patrick Bolder, a defense analyst at The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies think tank, told Breaking Defense.

NATO signs off on $5.5 billion contract for hundreds of Patriot missiles

NATO signs off on $5.5 billion contract for hundreds of Patriot missiles
NATO signs off on $5.5 billion contract for hundreds of Patriot missiles

If all options are exercised under the contract, the European nations will buy a combined total of 1,000 Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM-T), according to manufacturer RTX.

Europe faces nervous wait after Dutch election surprise, Ukraine aid in balance

Europe faces nervous wait after Dutch election surprise, Ukraine aid in balance
Europe faces nervous wait after Dutch election surprise, Ukraine aid in balance

The Netherlands has been a vital weapons supplier to Kyiv, throughout the war against Russia, most recently pledging an additional $2.2 billion in military aid for 2024.