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Dutch Ministry of Defense finalizes sites for expanding armed forces
(MENAFN) The Dutch Ministry of Defense has completed a list of 57 sites considered essential for strengthening the country’s military capabilities, according to the NOS broadcaster. A final government decision on the proposed locations is expected in December, although officials noted that eight of the sites still require additional research.
One of the most prominent locations on the list is Lelystad Airport, which has been identified as a future base for F-35 fighter jets. Authorities in the province of Flevoland had previously indicated that they would only approve such a plan if civilian flights were also permitted to continue.
Gijs Tuinman, the Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel, emphasized that the initiative represents a comprehensive overhaul of the Netherlands’ security infrastructure. He stressed that all elements of the system are interconnected and that Lelystad remains the most suitable site for expanding fighter jet capacity, even though more assessments are necessary.
Several of the proposed sites may require the relocation of residents, the expropriation of farmland, or the displacement of local businesses to create space for the expanded military facilities. The eight locations still under review include the Harskamp Garrison, where officials are examining future helicopter use, as well as the Woensdrecht and Gilze-Rijen air bases, where concerns over noise levels persist.
After the Cabinet reaches a decision in December, the full proposal will be sent to Parliament. If lawmakers approve it, the project will move into its implementation stage. The Defense Ministry plans to sign administrative agreements with local authorities, who will then handle the necessary environmental, construction, and nature-related permits.
Implementation is expected to begin next year, with all new and expanded facilities scheduled for completion by 2040. Defense officials said the expansion is driven largely by rising global security challenges, particularly those emerging from Eastern Europe.
One of the most prominent locations on the list is Lelystad Airport, which has been identified as a future base for F-35 fighter jets. Authorities in the province of Flevoland had previously indicated that they would only approve such a plan if civilian flights were also permitted to continue.
Gijs Tuinman, the Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel, emphasized that the initiative represents a comprehensive overhaul of the Netherlands’ security infrastructure. He stressed that all elements of the system are interconnected and that Lelystad remains the most suitable site for expanding fighter jet capacity, even though more assessments are necessary.
Several of the proposed sites may require the relocation of residents, the expropriation of farmland, or the displacement of local businesses to create space for the expanded military facilities. The eight locations still under review include the Harskamp Garrison, where officials are examining future helicopter use, as well as the Woensdrecht and Gilze-Rijen air bases, where concerns over noise levels persist.
After the Cabinet reaches a decision in December, the full proposal will be sent to Parliament. If lawmakers approve it, the project will move into its implementation stage. The Defense Ministry plans to sign administrative agreements with local authorities, who will then handle the necessary environmental, construction, and nature-related permits.
Implementation is expected to begin next year, with all new and expanded facilities scheduled for completion by 2040. Defense officials said the expansion is driven largely by rising global security challenges, particularly those emerging from Eastern Europe.
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