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Further Reading

Netherlands Military Budget

Defence was hard hit by the austerity measures that Minister Hans Hillen published 08 April 2011. The measures are a result of the global financial crisis. This should cut down the Cabinet 18 billion euros, of which 635 million euros on behalf of Defence. Defence must above and, in the longer term, 175 million euros, 150 million euros extra, cut the Defence budget to financially healthy again. In addition, there is financial space to allow a number of innovations.

On governance, support and operational logistics is 617,5 million euro cut. That is 64 per cent of the total amount. The rods decrease 30%, and administrative relations and simplify processes. The number of top executives from 80 to 119. Of the civil service cars disappear there 1000 and also the VIP-transport.

The Royal Marine brought the number of minehunters down from 10 to 6. This took 2 of the 4 new patrol ships out of service. One of the 2 supply ships are disposed of. Hnlms Zuiderkruis decommissioned at the end of 2011 after the planned deployment in the EU operation Atalanta. Hnlms Amsterdam remains in service until 2014 and will be replaced by the Joint Support Ship.

At the Royal Land Power, 2 tank battalions were deleted. Furthermore, a smaller number of Panzer howitzers with the 120 mm mortars in 1 section, field artillery and the armored engineer reduced the construction capacity and reduced the air defence and the number of Medium Range anti-tank systems. Also the maintenance capacity decreases. Germany agreed with the German-Dutch Corps headquarters personnel.

The Royal Air Force reduced the number of F-16s of 87 to 68. The Cougar transport helicopters disappeared and the third DC-10 is not in service. Further, the air force deleted 2 Ground Defense-platoons and took one of the 4 Patriot batteries out of service.

The Royal Marechaussee deletes the acquisition of the vessel for the Zeeland waters. The police took care of the armed forces decreases as a result of the reduction of the armed forces.

In July 2011 a detailed plan about the reorganisation appears and the reduction of the Board of the Organization (especially executive staff and the staffs of the Defence components). Should also then the Strategic real estate plan ready, stating which locations remain open or close. Finally, than more information available about the maximum quantities and the intended distribution of grades, so clearly the scope for flow is and how building experience is guaranteed.

Defence expenditure for 2004 amounts to 7.7 billion euros.