Netherlands joins European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) project

By Defence Industry Europe

MBDA unveils the Land Cruise Missile (LCM) system, a new ground-launched Deep Precision Strike capability, to meet the needs of the new strategic environment on the battlefield.MBDA unveils the Land Cruise Missile (LCM) system, a new ground-launched Deep Precision Strike capability, to meet the needs of the new strategic environment on the battlefield. — Image: MBDA.

The Netherlands has announced its intention to participate in the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) initiative, a multinational project to develop long-range cruise missiles. The decision was confirmed by Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans during a working visit to Paris.

“For deterring Russian aggression, European countries need long-range missiles. In Paris, I am announcing that the Netherlands also wants to take part in the initiative to develop long-range missiles (ELSA),” Minister Brekelmans stated.

Om Russische agressie af te schrikken hebben Europese landen langeafstandraketten nodig.
In Parijs kondig ik aan dat 🇳🇱 ook wil deelnemen aan het 🇫🇷 initiatief om langeafstandraketten te ontwikkelen (ELSA).
Samen met 5 partners (🇩🇪🇮🇹🇵🇱🇬🇧🇸🇪) willen we zo méér in Europa doen! pic.twitter.com/OGK8sGkXQA
— Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin) November 27, 2024

ELSA was launched by Germany, France, and Poland in June 2024 as a response to the growing need for high-precision long-range strike systems. This urgency has been underscored by lessons learned from the ongoing war in Ukraine, which highlighted gaps in Europe’s defence capabilities.

The programme formally began in July 2024, following the signing of a letter of intent by the defence ministers of the participating nations during a NATO summit in Washington. Italy also joined the initiative at that time, expanding the coalition to four founding members.

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