Ukraine and Netherlands plan to launch joint drone production this year
This was stated by Jurriaan Esser, a spokesperson for the Dutch Ministry of Defense, in comments to a Ukrinform correspondent in The Hague.
“We expect production to begin this year. The terms are confidential,” he said.
According to him, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius had stated that the joint production of drones by Ukrainian and Dutch companies was an important next step in the successful cooperation between the two countries. She had also said that Ukrainian military personnel were using drones with great skill to repel constant Russian attacks and that Ukrainians had achieved great success in this area. He added that, thanks to close cooperation with Ukraine, the Netherlands was also learning directly from this experience, which in turn created opportunities for the Dutch business sector. According to him, this close cooperation with Ukraine therefore created a direct win-win situation for both countries.
He also emphasized that the Dutch defense industry will not succumb to intimidation by Russia, particularly regarding the company Destinus, and will continue to support Ukraine.
The spokesperson said in a comment to Ukrinform that, as Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius had stated, the Dutch defense industry would not be intimidated by Russia. The spokesperson added that Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius had recently visited the company, which manufactures drones and missiles for Ukraine and was truly making a difference, and noted that Destinus was an important partner for the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
In an exclusive comment to Ukrinform, he also confirmed that the U.S. has approved the sale of Hellfire missiles to the Netherlands.
“Yes. They are intended for the Dutch armed forces,” he said.
As reported by Ukrinform, the Netherlands has signed a partnership agreement with Ukraine and is investing EUR 248 million in drones
