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Defence minister claims more cuts would weaken armed forces

The outgoing defence minister Hans Hillen has warned that further cuts in the sector would damage the Dutch army’s fighting capability.

The Christian Democrat politician told De Telegraaf he was concerned to see that several political parties included pledges in their election programmes to reduce the budget for the armed forces still further.

The Rutte cabinet has already cut defence spending by €1 billion over the four years to 2014, a move which will cost 12,000 jobs.

Hillen said: “Any more cuts will handicap the armed forces. We’re already at rock bottom, we’ve squeezed as much as we can. Any further cuts mean we’ll have to cut into the bone.

“There are a number of political parties who act as if we can deliver another blow, but it’s not the case.”

Hillen has already drawn up plans to increase the amount of co-operation with neighbouring countries in the defence sector.

An agreement has been struck with Belgium and Luxembourg to train the three countries’ troops collectively and there are moves to establish a joint air force with Norway and Denmark.

Hillen said he had also looked into opportunities to work together with Britain, Germany, Poland and the Baltic states.

Source: De Telegraaf: Defensie is uitgeknepen

Photo by Marie-II