Netherlands announces the largest increase in military spending since the Cold War

The Dutch government announces the largest increase in military spending since the conclusion of the Cold War, according to the ministry.

“Threats in the world and the war in Ukraine illustrate that peace and security cannot be taken for granted,” Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren stated.

An extra five billion euros (£4.27 billion) per year will be spent on gear like six new F-35 fighter fighters and tripling the number of MQ-9 Reaper drones from four to eight, as well as easing general equipment shortages.

It means that by 2024 and 2025, the country will have spent 2% of GDP on military spending, as recommended by NATO.