WILLEMSTAD – During his visit to Curaçao, Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans outlined the extensive role played by Defence forces in the Caribbean over the past year and announced continued investments aimed at strengthening security and readiness in the region.
Brekelmans said he was deeply impressed by the professionalism and commitment of military personnel stationed on Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten. He described their work as wide-ranging, from territorial defence and support to local police forces, to humanitarian assistance during natural disasters and counter-narcotics operations.
The minister cited several concrete achievements. Patrol vessel Zr. Ms. Groningen intercepted approximately 5,000 kilograms of drugs in the first months of the year, including a high-risk nighttime operation in which an NH90 helicopter disabled the engine of a drug-smuggling vessel. In subsequent months, Zr. Ms. Friesland intercepted an additional 14,000 kilograms of narcotics. These operations, Brekelmans said, demonstrate the strategic importance of the Caribbean region in international efforts against drug trafficking.
Defence units also provided emergency assistance to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa and supported police authorities on Sint Maarten during public order operations. A milestone was reached with the joint military exercise Estribo, in which Dutch and Colombian marines trained together for the first time. Over a three-week period, the forces exchanged knowledge and experience, including operating in difficult terrain. The support ship Zr. Ms. Pelikaan played a central role as a command post, logistics hub and maintenance platform during the exercise.
Looking ahead, Brekelmans announced that the Netherlands will continue to invest in strengthening its defensive capabilities in the Caribbean. Planned investments include enhanced air radar capacity, counter-drone systems and portable air defence systems. The Coast Guard will also increase reconnaissance flights, and Defence will take over part of the security and guarding duties currently carried out by Caribbean military personnel. This, according to the minister, will allow local forces to focus more on operational readiness and core tasks.
Brekelmans said Defence’s responsibility is to continuously assess possible scenarios, evaluate risks and ensure preparedness across the board. He expressed confidence that, thanks to the dedication of personnel in the Caribbean and close cooperation within the Kingdom and with international partners, the region is well positioned to deal with potential challenges.
Concluding his speech, the minister said he hopes that when leaders and Defence officials look back a year from now, they will be able to say that despite a turbulent start, stability prevailed through cooperation, vigilance and preparation. He added that he hopes Curaçao will also make its mark on the world stage through its performance at the football World Cup, bringing people together across borders.