Amsterdam (Agencies): The Netherlands is considering a significant expansion of its armed forces, with plans to increase defense personnel from 75,000 to 200,000, according to a report by Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Friday.
Currently, the Dutch Ministry of Defense employs around 75,000 people, including military and civilian staff, and maintains a reserve force of 8,000. However, State Secretary for Defense Gijs Tuinman reportedly mentioned the 200,000 figure in a recent closed-door meeting with labor unions and ministry officials.
Earlier this year, Tuinman publicly stated that the Dutch military must quickly grow to 100,000 personnel, emphasizing voluntary recruitment over mandatory military service. Although conscription remains legally in place, it has been suspended since 1997, with citizens required to serve only if national security demands it.
The Netherlands is reportedly looking to Sweden as a model, as the Nordic country reintroduced conscription in 2017 due to growing security concerns in Europe.
The potential expansion comes amid rising tensions between the West and Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense, further pushing NATO allies to bolster military readiness.
While no official decision has been made, if implemented, this expansion would mark one of the largest military build-ups in Dutch history.