Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans has emphasized the Netherlands’ commitment to the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet program and the United States’ position on the Joint Strike Fighter program, during remarks at the Paris Defense and Strategy Forum. Minister Brekelmans said the success of the F-35 program was critical for both the Netherlands and other partner countries. Brekelmans’ comments came amid speculation about the U.S. F-35 program and relations with NATO allies.
The US Role in the F-35 Program
Minister Brekelmans stated that it is in the interest of all partner countries to continue to work closely with the US to ensure the operational and success of the F-35 program. He also emphasized that he did not see any signs that the US would back down, and that speculation was unnecessary. Recently, some European researchers and lawmakers have expressed concern that the US could prevent its allies from using the F-35 aircraft. These concerns have been further strengthened by developments regarding US President Donald Trump’s closer ties with Russia and his threat to annex Greenland. Brekelmans stated that the F-35 program requires continued cooperation and solidarity by partner countries in the face of such concerns.
Europe’s F-35 Needs and Dependency
The fact that mission data files, which are critical to the operation of the F-35, are prepared in cooperation with the US and that the cloud-based software system used for maintenance and updates is based in the US creates a significant dependency for European countries. However, Brekelmans stated that it is misleading to see this situation as a dependency only, that the F-35 program is sustained with parts from partner countries and that although the US is the largest partner, other countries also play an important role. He described Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken’s statements that the US stopping parts supply would affect the entire US defense industry in Europe as “scary stories.”
The Situation of the Netherlands' F-35 Fleet
The Netherlands has ordered 35 aircraft under the F-52 program and has received 40 of them. In September, the Netherlands announced plans to purchase six more F-35 aircraft and formally retired its F-16 fleet. Brekelmans said he believes these developments will strengthen the Netherlands’ defense cooperation with the United States and contribute to the success of the F-35 program. He also said the Netherlands must work in full harmony with the United States to have the most modern air force.
US Defense Policies and Burden Sharing
Minister Brekelmans said that the US expects more defense burden from its NATO allies and that this message should be taken seriously. However, he stated that the Netherlands cannot guarantee its security by relying solely on the US and that European countries should take more responsibility for defense. Brekelmans emphasized that the US expects more contributions from Europe, saying, “They do not expect burden sharing, they expect burden shifting.”
Ukraine and Nuclear Defense Investments
The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of the military capacity of the Dutch Army. Brekelmans announced that the Dutch government will invest in strengthening its ground forces and purchasing more air defense systems and missiles. He also said that the Netherlands should hold talks on the issue after French President Emmanuel Macron raised the idea of expanding nuclear deterrence to European allies. He said that with China investing in nuclear capabilities and Russia's nuclear threats, Europe should also develop a serious strategy on this issue.
Brekelmans’ statements once again highlighted the Netherlands’ commitment to the F-35 program and its determination in defense relations with the United States. Stating that the Netherlands and other European countries will further deepen their defense cooperation with the United States to ensure their security, Brekelmans also drew attention to the steps that need to be taken to increase Europe’s defense capacity and create a more independent defense strategy. In this process, steps to fulfill NATO’s defense obligations and prepare for new threats will be critical to Europe’s security.
