Over 100 Vessels: Netherlands Announces New Military Aid Package for Ukraine

The Netherlands will deliver a new €400 million military aid package to Ukraine focused on maritime security, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on Tuesday, according to European Pravda.

The announcement was made ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, held on June 4 in Brussels.

The package includes more than 100 vessels, such as patrol boats, transport boats, interceptors, and special operations craft, Brekelmans said.

“For today’s Contact Group, I am announcing a new €400 million support package in the field of maritime security,” he told reporters. “It will include a broad range of more than 100 vessels.”

The assistance also covers more than 50 naval drones, weapons systems, reconnaissance equipment, spare parts, and a training program for Ukrainian personnel.

Brekelmans said the package is aimed at countering growing threats in the Black Sea and near Kherson.

“It is very important for Ukraine to defend itself against these threats,” he said, adding that the Netherlands is committed to helping Ukraine secure freedom of navigation and protect maritime trade routes.

On April 11, the Netherlands announced an earlier package of military aid that included €150 million for air defense.

The country is also partnering with the United Kingdom to expand Ukraine’s “Drone Line” program.

The Netherlands recently completed the transfer of its pledged F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force.