Camilla Jessen
Dutch King urges nation to “arm to the teeth” as Europe braces for rising military threats.
Dutch King Willem-Alexander has called for stronger military readiness in the Netherlands, urging the country to “arm ourselves to the teeth” in response to rising global threats and ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking during a visit to a military barracks in Vredepiel, Limburg province, where Ukrainian troops are being trained, the king warned that peace and freedom can no longer be taken for granted.
“We may have taken freedom and peace for granted for too long,” he said, according to public broadcaster NOS. “However, the war in Ukraine and other conflicts clearly show that this is no longer the case. We need to be prepared – otherwise things will get bad.”
The king said the Netherlands must not only boost its defense capabilities but also invest in rebuilding its defense industry to meet the demands of a modern military conflict.
Earlier this month, Dutch coalition leader Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) said the government would allocate over €1.1 billion for defense and security. In 2025, the Netherlands also plans to send €2 billion in aid to Ukraine, including €500 million earmarked for drone production, VVD lawmaker Ruben Brekelmans said.
The Netherlands has also delivered F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as part of its ongoing support.
European leaders have increasingly warned of potential military threats from Russia. In January, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said intelligence reports suggested Russia could attempt to strike an EU member state by 2028. Danish and German intelligence services have issued similar warnings in recent months.
Analysts at the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) say the Kremlin continues to militarize Russian society and prepare for a prolonged confrontation with NATO.