Netherlands hikes defence spending to face new threats

The Netherlands will increase defence spending by more than 10% next year, investing in new tanks, fighter jets, frigates and air defence systems in a push to strengthen its forces in the face of new security threats, the Dutch government said.

According to Report, which cites Reuters, defence spending will be increased by 2.4 billion euros ($2.7 billion), taking the annual budget to around 24 billion euros, it said on Thursday.

The extra budget will supply the army with tanks for the first time in more than a decade, and will be used to buy F-35 fighter jets, new navy frigates, helicopters, drones, air defence systems and ammunition, the government said.