The Coalition for Defence is concerned about our security and wants more money for Defence used more effectively. What and how the foundation describes in the pamphlet "I will maintain".
Global developments
The world has become increasingly insecure in recent years. Russia is arming itself. China is arming itself. We are talking about unprecedented quantities of weapons, ships, planes, helicopters, tanks, and military personnel. Terror is raging in the Middle East with lashes out at our part of the world.
From Africa and the Middle East, an endless stream of refugees towards Western Europe has started. Then we are talking about refugees for violence but even more so about economic refugees. Often the men come forward and the families follow if they manage to stay. This throws Western Europe off balance.
The danger also lurks via modern technology, cyber foremost.
Cost of Defence
Any idea what we spend on our armed forces per day per capita? That must be a lot of money. Defence is expensive, you always hear. Well, per day per person we pay for our security a whistle of beer in a cheap pub. One beer a day, €1.25. That could well be a bit more.
The cabinet has increased taxes by €15 billion over the past four years. That's twice the entire Defence budget! But the armed forces have seen almost none of that. There is plenty of money, but apparently not for Defence.
Use more money better
Defence needs more budget for better equipment, people and ammunition to withstand the threat of new conflicts. That money can be deployed faster and more effectively by leasing ships and aircraft instead of buying them. So writes the Coalition for Defence in its pamphlet"I will maintain".
Read and download the pamphlet here.
