On 5 September, the Defence Paper 2024 was presented to the House of Representatives. Our Politics and Technology working group finds the memorandum very ambitious and sees many strengths in terms of threat analysis and growth. However, in many parts, the working group lacks concrete and testable action plans for implementation.
The Politics and Defence Engineering Working Group of the Royal Institute of Engineers (KIVI) has submitted the following response to the Defence Paper 2024, which was presented on 5 September 2024 was presented to the House of Representatives. The response has been prepared based on publicly available documents and defence technology knowledge and experience. The comments and questions concern technological or related aspects only.
Read the full response and suggested questions (link)
The working group welcomes the ambition of the Defence Paper 2024, especially in the area of threat analysis and the focus on hybrid threats, cyber security and critical infrastructure. The importance of strengthening major weapon systems is high, but as is well known, more is needed, especially in areas such as land operations, air defence and critical infrastructure. However, it lacks concrete and testable action plans for implementation, such as clear timelines and an action plan for strengthening defence capabilities. It also criticises the lack of a main objective and the inadequate focus on maritime threats on shipping routes that are so important to the Netherlands...
Because the personnel problem is only increasing with a growing armed forces, the working group urges the use of labour-extensive solutions such as automation and unmanned systems.
The programme-based approach to equipment investment is welcomed, but better coordination with industry is needed to ensure stability and continuity in investments. The working group stresses the importance of a structurally higher investment ratio to keep Defence up to date.
There are concerns about dependence on commercial parties for space capabilities, which poses risks to national autonomy. Furthermore, the working group suggests strengthening strategic collaborations within Europe and argues for a level playing field for defence equipment exports.
In summary, the working group concludes that while the paper has ambitious plans, the implementation is still imperfectly developed. This makes it difficult for the Lower House to monitor whether the set goals are being achieved. It calls for clear goals, tight planning and concrete action points.
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The Hague, 14 October 2024
More information on the Politics and Defence Technology Working Group can be found via this link.
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Disclaimer: The facts and opinions given are based on open sources and on the knowledge and experience of working group members.
This is not an official position of KIVI. The association accepts no liability for anything put forward by the working group or its members.
Photo: Lower House
Summary: ChatGPT
