Netherlands weigh downsizing navy

Sea Power, Sep 2003

In late 2002, the Dutch Ministry of Defense began to lay the framework for the next long-term defense plan, known as Integral Defense Plan (IDP) 2004-2013. The IDP will continue with the downsizing and restructuring of Dutch forces that began under Defense White Paper 2000.

The Netherlands sees itself contributing to a larger alliance, rather than operating unilaterally. It is the government's reasoning that the NATO and European Union alliances permit the Netherlands to reduce or do away with specific capabilities because others within the alliance are able to perform those missions.

As an example, the reductions in the military budget itself will average $800 million for the period of 2004 through 2009. These projected cuts will essentially reduce the military budget from $6.5 billion in 2003 to an average of $6.3 billion annually from 2003 through 2009. The resulting savings from personnel reductions, decommissioning of equipment, and infrastructure reduction are expected to offset the costs associated with the future force envisioned under the IDP.

The draft IDP may be reviewed by the Dutch cabinet before the 2004 budget is submitted to the full Parliament in September 2003. Parliamentary approval is expected by November 2003.

Major force reductions and restructuring programs envisioned under IDP 2004-2013 include:

* Early decommissioning of four navy frigates, for a remaining force of 10. The decommissioning of the two Jacob van Heemskerck-class frigates was already planned as the new De Zeven Provincien-class destroyers were commissioned. However, in addition, two Karel Doorman (M)-class frigates are also to be decommissioned. These ships are already on offer in the international secondhand ship market. Good candidates to take up the offer are Belgium and Portugal.

* Decommissioning of two coastal mine-hunters, for a remaining force of 10.

* Elimination of the entire airborne maritime patrol aircraft force of 10 P-3C aircraft and closing of the Valkenburg naval air base. Germany is among the interested parties to purchase these aircraft.

* Cancellation of plans for a third ready Marine battalion.

* Phase-out of 29 air force F-16 fighter aircraft.

* Two-year delay in Patriot PAC-III missile acquisition.

* Cancellation of Hawk missile system replacement. Phase-out of all army multiple rocket launchers.

* Consolidation of all air defense forces into one joint organization.

* Transfer of 18 army howitzers to Norway.

Likewise, proposed new investments under the IDP (mostly from savings associated with the above force reductions and restructuring programs) are as follows:

* New requirement for land-attack missiles for the frigate force.

* Replacement of tracked vehicles for the marines.

* Planned investment of $800 million for the Joint Strike Fighter development.

* Procurement of modem targeting systems and precision weapons.

* Continuation of an unmanned aerial vehicle program with Prance.

* Procurement of new tracked and wheeled vehicles for the army.

* Expansion of special forces with 80 troops.

a Procurement of vehicles and equipment to deal with nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons of mass destruction.