‘Dutch Defense is preparing for the large-scale conflict’

With the defense investment of more than 21 billion euros this year, the Netherlands is coming close to the NATO standard for the first time. After years of peace missions, the armed forces of Western countries must now prepare for a completely different type of conflict, with Russia as the main enemy. That is the opinion of Brigadier General and Professor of Military-Operational Sciences Han Bouwmeester.

Russia is currently seen as the major threat to the West. Although the Russians are not the only danger, Bouwmeester emphasizes. ‘Consider, for example, China or smaller groups, also known as non-state actors. They could come from the Middle East, for example.’

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Bouwmeester believes that the Dutch Defense is currently preparing for the large-scale conflict as we know it from the past. That means: being able to actually wage physical war. The Netherlands is preparing for this in a NATO context. The West has had a long period of peacekeeping operations. A war with Russia would be a different kind of conflict, says Bouwmeester. The armed forces of Western countries must therefore prepare differently for this.

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Of course, going to war today no longer looks the same as it used to, Bouwmeester admits. There has been enormous development in the field of weapons, such as the drone. Progress has also been made in the field of IT.

Equipment

The Defense Staff has indicated which equipment is most needed, according to Bouwmeester. First of all, Defense is focusing on long-range missiles. This allows a battle to be waged in depth, he explains. This also requires investigative resources. Investments must also be made in this. Furthermore, there must be sufficient equipment to fight at the front. ‘There is currently a lack of strength there.’ This applies to the air, army and navy. And then of course there is a shortage of staff.