Netherlands purchases Czech DITA howitzers for Ukraine
Czech self-propelled gun DITA at the International Defense Industry Exhibition. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Michał Derela
The Netherlands has purchased nine self-propelled artillery systems from the Czech Republic to later send them to Ukraine.
According to the Dutch defense department, this weaponry is part of a larger order placed by the Netherlands for Ukraine, which Czech arms manufacturers will provide, Rubryka reports.
The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands stated that the DITA self-propelled artillery howitzers can hit targets at tens of kilometers.
The country also ordered 100 MR-2 anti-drone systems and 100 upgraded T-72 tanks, the cost of which will be shared with the United States and Denmark. After the weaponry is checked, it will be sent to Ukraine.
The Netherlands cooperates with the Czech Republic due to its well-developed defense industry and is one of the most important clients.
What we know about the assistance from the Netherlands
The Netherlands will allocate over €100 million to finance the supply of hundreds of thousands of ammunition found by the Czech Republic for Ukraine. According to Czech President Petr Pavel, the found ammunition is half a million 155 mm caliber shells, and another is 122 mm caliber 300,000 shells.
The Dutch government has allocated €2 billion of military support for Ukraine for the next year:
- €295 million as a contribution to the European Peace Fund,
- €89 million for justice,
- €3 million for non-military cyber support.
Also, the Netherlands has already allocated €9 million for the capabilities of the Prosecutor General's Office and the judiciary of Ukraine.
Earlier, the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom agreed to work on forming an international coalition of fighter jets for Ukraine.
As reported by Rubryka, the Netherlands joined the IT coalition during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on January 23.
On February 17, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte assured that the transfer of F-16s was proceeding according to schedule, and Ukraine would receive at least 24 multi-role fighter jets.
