The Netherlands is increasing patrols in the North Sea due to the actions of the Russian Federation
21.12.2023 - 11:05
The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands is buying additional equipment and ships to strengthen its presence in the North Sea due to suspicious actions of the Russian Federation.
Thus, the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands is purchasing cameras and radar systems for oil rigs and offshore wind turbines, according to the ministry’s website.
The Netherlands is also investing in satellite data to identify vessels that have turned off their identification system.
The Ministry of Defense is also buying two new ships that will have a small crew and will be equipped with sensors and underwater equipment to investigate suspicious situations at sea.
The Netherlands also cooperates internationally with countries that have access to the North Sea. A research center to guarantee the safety of underwater infrastructure was recently opened in The Hague.
The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands explained that the threat, for the most part, comes from surface vessels whose crews carry out suspicious activities underwater. For example, it is about researching or damaging oil and gas pipelines or internet cables.
