Netherlands Defence to deploy three MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to Romania to protect NATO’s eastern flank.
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Press Release, The Hague, 11 October 2023: Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren today informed the House of Representatives in writing that next year, the Netherlands will station three MQ-9 Reaper drones in Romania to contribute to the defence of NATO’s eastern flank. The unarmed aircraft will be used to gather intelligence along the eastern border of Alliance territory. It will be the first time that the Netherlands deploys the unmanned reconnaissance aircraft outside its own territory.
The MQ-9s will assist in air shielding operations. The purposes of these operations include monitoring the situation at the border of Alliance territory. The unmanned aircraft will use their sensors to gather data and information in order to build and maintain an accurate picture of the situation. This will prevent possible misunderstandings and any escalations that could ensue. While NATO will specify the intelligence that it needs, the Netherlands will determine how it is gathered. The processing of intelligence will also remain a national responsibility.
Allied operations: In addition to protecting NATO territory, Defence will gain experience in Allied operations as a result of the MQ-9 deployment, which will last for at least six months and twelve months at most.
The total detachment will consist of 135 Defence employees. Around 40 service members will maintain the aircraft at the air base near Campia Turzii in Romania. The rest of the detachment will work at Leeuwarden Air Base. Their duties will include operating the MQ-9s and processing the intelligence gathered. A team of army engineers will build the camp for their air force colleagues at the Romanian air base.
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