The Netherlands will work with Germany to produce Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz announced on Tuesday at the NATO summit in Ankara. She did not disclose the value of the agreement or the number of missiles involved.
The Stinger is a portable missile that can be launched by a soldier. It is designed to automatically track targets such as aircraft. The weapon has been included in Western military aid packages to Ukraine. It remains an important part of air defence efforts in the war with Russia.
Yeşilgöz said greater cooperation between European countries is needed as defence spending increases.
“By joining forces, we prevent fragmentation, increase our production capacity with allies, and ensure that our companies can scale up faster,” the minister said.
Amraam rockets
The Netherlands is also joining American- and Norwegian-led initiatives to jointly purchase certain types of ammunition. In addition, it has signed an agreement to explore the joint production of Amraam missiles. These advanced air-to-air and air-defence weapons are used by aircraft such as the F-35 fighter jet.
The country is also working with four other nations on plans to jointly maintain interceptor missiles for the Patriot air-defence system.
On Monday evening, Yeşilgöz announced that she would unveil defence contracts and plans worth more than €3 billion at the NATO summit. Other projects include strengthening air defence with Belgium and building landing craft together with the United Kingdom.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
