WILLEMSTAD – The Caribbean Coast Guard is set to make significant investments in 2026 to maintain and strengthen its operational capacity and equipment, according to the recently approved 2026 Annual Plan submitted to the Dutch House of Representatives. The total budget for operations and maintenance is estimated at approximately €68.25 million.
Of this amount, more than €42.97 million will be funded by the Netherlands. This includes costs related to the aerial surveillance contract, operations at Hato support base, and programs aimed at combating organized crime. The remaining €7.84 million will be jointly contributed by Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten. Expenditures will cover personnel, equipment, maintenance, and operational assignments.
A substantial portion of the budget is earmarked for the replacement and modernization of assets. Nearly €22 million will be allocated to replacing Coast Guard cutters, while €8 million is set aside for new coastal radar systems on the Windward Islands. An additional €7.75 million will be invested in aerial surveillance. Vessels will also be upgraded to enhance their effectiveness in law enforcement operations and search-and-rescue missions.
Alongside material investments, the Coast Guard will continue to focus on personnel by recruiting, training, and retaining staff, particularly in specialized roles. Looking ahead, the Coast Guard expects a stable financial outlook through 2031, with annual expenditures projected to remain between €64 million and €65 million.
The planned investments are intended to ensure that the Caribbean Coast Guard remains capable of effectively carrying out its mandate in maritime security, border control, and emergency response across the region.
