Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced that the Netherlands will allocate €400 million for the joint development of advanced drones with Ukraine.
According to NOS,
"The Netherlands is allocating €400 million for drone development together with Ukraine," said Minister Brekelmans during his visit to the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.
The publication reports that approximately half of these funds will be spent in the Netherlands, while the rest will be distributed between Ukraine and other participating countries in the project.
The minister stated that the Netherlands has played a leading role in supplying F-16s and Patriot systems to Ukraine.
"And now we continue this with advanced drones, investing €400 million in the action plan. This concerns all types of advanced drones that can be used for reconnaissance, defense, and attack. Especially in the air, as well as on land and at sea," Brekelmans is quoted by the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
He also emphasized that the experience gained in Ukraine has added value for high-quality technologies in the Netherlands.
"If Dutch knowledge and technology are combined with Ukrainian battlefield experience, it will lead to innovative and effective drones. They can truly change the situation on the battlefield," said the defense chief.
It is noted that if the developed drones prove successful, more funding will be available for their expanded production.
