Netherlands procures additional Patriot air defence system

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has signed a contract for an additional Patriot air defence system to enhance its long-range air defence. However, the conditions of the order reflect concerning bottlenecks in the West’s supply of missiles.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on April 7, 2026.

The Netherlands has formalised a contract with Raytheon for an additional Patriot air defence system, according to an April 7 press release. The agreement was signed at the Defence Ground-Based Air Defence Command (DGLC) in Vredepeel. This procurement follows a previous purchase in early 2025 and acts as a direct extension of that agreement.

Officials completed the acquisition process within a few months, made possible by the existing cooperation between the Dutch MoD and Raytheon. The contract is valued at $627 million, according to Raytheon, and includes radars, launchers, and command and control stations. The new hardware is expected for delivery within the next few years and will be operated by the DGLC.

The Dutch government prioritised this “rush order” to secure a production slot with Raytheon. Failure to sign by a March 31 deadline could have delayed delivery until 2033.

Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius stated that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East underscore the need for robust air defence. Furthermore, NATO has specifically requested that member states prioritise integrated air and missile defence capabilities.

The Netherlands has a long history with this technology, having first adopted it in 1987. As of 2022, the country operated three fire units. Recent investments also include a 2025 contract for $529 million to replace components donated to Ukraine.

The Dutch MoD, leading the way on air defence

The Dutch MoD is leading the way on modernising its air defence. It has signed several contracts for components of a layered network that will ensure it can defend its homeland as well as deployed forces.

• As mentioned above, it has procured replacement Patriot components and a new fire unit. This may well contribute to NATO’s air defence, rather than the Netherlands per se, but it reflects a significant investment.
• For medium range point defence against cruise missiles and attack drones, the country has ordered NASAMS from Kongsberg.
• Short-range air defence will be provided by NOMADS (National Manoeuvre Air Defence System). Developed with Kongsberg, NOMADS mounts AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles on the G5 tracked vehicle from FFG.
• Counter drone capabilities will be provided by Skyranger 30 units, 22 of which have been ordered. And the Netherlands is working with a high energy laser system provided by EOS.

Much of this air defence network will be integrated into a central command and control system. In theory, centralising command and control should improve combat responses and enable cooperation with other users that are equipped with NASAMS.

Calibre comment: Delivery timeframes are driving Europe away from US suppliers

The Netherlands is not the only country to have been forced into a decision by US production timelines. Greece, Estonia, Poland, and Denmark have all opted for Israeli or South Korean systems based in part on cost or delivery timeframes. The Dutch forces have continued with Patriot, which is logical given their existing stock, but the potential delayed delivery of 2033 is indicative of the sudden demand that supply chain has been placed under.

The US is set to significantly increase production of its core missile capabilities, but much of that is set for the US, rather than export. As a result, some countries are looking to other providers that will provide their missiles in shorter timeframes. Poland’s K-239 Chunmoo procurement is but one example, which includes domestic rocket and missile production.

Of course, this is not a black and white situation. Poland is still procuring components and capabilities for its air force from the US, as are most European states. But the contract speed and delivery constraints reflect an issue that is likely to persist for some time.

If you would like to read further on the subject of air defence, check out the links below:

• Rheinmetall: Up to 1,000 Skyrangers could be procured
• Dutch MoD outlines plan for Combat General Purpose Vehicle
• Lockheed to quadruple THAAD production
• Multi-domain operations first for Dutch Air Force

The lead image shows Patriot launchers with Dutch ministers. Credit: Ministerie van Defensie.