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Netherlands will allocate more than €7 billion to purchase F-35 fighter jets

21 May 2026 21:39 (UTC +04:00)

The Netherlands intends to allocate approximately €7.3 billion to the program to purchase American F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets amid accelerated militarization, it is stated in the Ministry of Defense's project review for 2026, APA reports.

It is noted that the authorities will simultaneously launch new projects to purchase tactical weapons for these aircraft, as well as medium- and long-range missiles. Furthermore, nearly €3.5 billion is planned for the modernization of fighter jets already purchased.

At the same time, the Netherlands is increasing spending on other types of weapons. Specifically, over €2.5 billion is being allocated to replace frigates, over €1.4 billion to upgrade military transport aircraft, and several billion more to develop air defense systems, artillery, and the purchase of Leopard 2A8 tanks.