Will they, or won’t they? Netherlands considers sending tanks to Ukraine

The German-manufactured main battle tanks feature a 120mm smooth bore gun, two 7.62mm coaxial light machine guns and are operated by a crew of four. The tank has seen service across multiple countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain and Turkey. 

“The Netherlands is part of a group of countries that at this crucial stage of the war, are doing everything they can to supply Ukraine with Western battle tanks, and is considering various options to contribute,” said a Dutch Ministry of Defence spokesperson.

“The Netherlands Minister of Defence, Kajsa Ollongren, informed the House accordingly last week.

“It is not yet known which option it will be.”

The Dutch cabinet has previously agreed to send two Patriot missile launchers and ammunition to the conflict, as well as joint finance to divert modernised Russian T-72 tanks from Morocco to Ukraine defence forces in 2022.

The country has recently sent eight F-35 fighter jets to Malbork Air Base in Poland on 27 January. The Ministry of Defence stated four of those aircraft will be available to guard NATO airspace over Eastern Europe and the other four will be on standby under a pilot training program with NATO allies.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.