Dutch, German Military Partnership to Take Shape

May 12, 2011 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Dutch News; issued May 12, 2011)

THE HAGUE --- Defence Minister Hans Hillen is to work out plans for partnership with Germany further, he said following a working visit to Berlin.

Hillen and his German counterpart Thomas de Maiziere see possibilities for operational partnership for their submarine services, according to a spokesman for the Dutch minister. They also discussed the establishment of a joint unit for Patriot anti-missile systems.

The Patriot initiative should take shape within the NATO framework. Other countries might join this later. According to Hillen's spokesman, Poland and Italy have already expressed interest.

Plans will also be worked out for maintenance with the Germans of Boxers and armoured howitzers of German make and the NH90 helicopters. This new helicopter is a European project.

Hillen has already discussed more partnership with his Belgian and UK counterparts earlier. He will soon visit Luxembourg and Norway with the same aim.

The minister has to make permanent cutbacks of 1 billion euros in the coming years. Within the cabinet, it has been agreed that Defence can itself reinvest possible benefits from international partnership.

Hillen and De Maiziere also discussed Kunduz, where the Dutch mission for training Afghan police will begin soon. Germany has the military leadership for NATO's ISAF force in this northern province of Afghanistan.