The integrated unit will consist of three different capabilities, including both Patriots, a Nasams system and anti-drone systems. According to the ministry, this layered air defence will counter potential threats such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, fighter jets, helicopters and drones.
Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said: “Defensie levert geavanceerde capaciteiten. Die zijn schaars, maar Nederland is in staat ze te bieden. Deze inzet draagt bij aan drie belangrijke doelen: het NAVO-grondgebied verdedigen, Russische agressie ontmoedigen en onverminderde steun aan Oekraïne leveren. Zo houden we de Russische dreiging zo ver mogelijk op afstand.”
NSATU is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the training of Ukrainian soldiers and delivering military support to Ukraine. The ministry underlined that the air defence mission ensures donated equipment reaches its destination safely and that logistics can continue securely.
Earlier, the Netherlands committed F-35 fighter jets to patrol Polish airspace together with Norwegian forces from 1 September to 1 December. The ministry stated this deployment aims both to deter Russia and to safeguard military supplies bound for Ukraine.
Source: Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands.
