Dutch budget cuts
(BRUXELLES2) Much has been said about the British "Strategic review", much less has been said about the draft Dutch defense budget. And yet it is just as drastic. Presented by the Dutch Defense Minister, Hans Hillen, it aims to save one billion euros, and no longer 600 million as planned in the government agreement (1). On the menu the elimination of around 12.300 jobs (8000 soldiers and 4000 civilians) out of the 69.000 (including 48.000 soldiers) in defense. To achieve this, the equation is simple: 6000 layoffs, 4000 end of contracts and 2300 unfilled vacancies.
Equipment for sale
The whole army is called upon to sell certain means. The Air Force is expected to sell 18 F-16 planes out of the 87 it has. It will be the same for the 17 Cougar transport helicopters and 60 Leopard tanks (2). The navy is asked to immediately part with two of the four new patrol boats (OPV) which have just been built - the Sultanate of Oman would be the buyer - as well as 4 minehunters (out of 10). This poses a serious problem for the Belgian navy engaged in very close cooperation with its Dutch counterpart.
Reduction of orders to be expected for the JSF
As for the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) program, it is not yet included in the savings program because the expenses will essentially be incurred by 2017-2025. But the 85 aircraft in the program will probably never be purchased. Because the program regularly slips financially. And the ministry wants to reserve a share of the budget to buy unmanned aircraft. Which isn't necessarily silly.
NB: The government has planned to save a total of 2 billion euros more than what was planned in the government agreement. And the defense is not the only one to toast. Diplomacy too. And social programs above all, with 2 billion to be saved on social assistance and young disabled people.
(1) Read also: Netherlands: defense asked to save 600 million euros
(2) Twenty years ago, the Dutch army had 212 F-16s and 1000 tanks as well as 12.000 more soldiers.
