The Dutch defense ministry said it is fast-forwarding €450 million of ammunition purchases to replenish its stocks.
The decision to accelerate the procurement was made due to what the defense ministry referred to as a “tightening ammunition market, caused by the current security situation.”
The security situation refers to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which began in February this year. While the attack certainly affected the security situation, another reason for the tightening market are the western weapons and ammunition shipments to Ukraine aimed at helping the country defend against the invasion.
These shipments are taking a toll on the stocks of NATO allies. Raytheon cautioned it would have trouble delivering new Stinger missiles to the US Army quickly enough, while the UK had to sign a contract with Sweden this week for New Light Anti-Tank Weapons (NLAWs) after sending thousands of the missiles to Ukraine.
The peak capacity of the ammunition industry is likely to be reached soon and lead times will increase as a result, the Dutch defense ministry said.
In addition to conventional ammunition, such as small-caliber and fire support ammunition (artillery and mortar shells) and the replenishment of the stock of anti-tank weapons, the Netherlands will also replenish high-tech ammunition.
These ‘high-tech’ stocks will include air defense missiles, precision-guided ammunition for the F-35 and the PzH2000NL 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, as well as ammunition for the Apache attack helicopter.
The project will be carried out in the period 2022 to 2024, with first deliveries expected to take place at the end of this year. The necessary funds will come from the budget that has already been allocated for these purposes.
