We are reducing the number of Dutch service personnel and assets on the ground in Slovakia

Working closely with Slovakia and the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has moved to reduce the number of Dutch service personnel and assets in the NATO Multinational Battlegroup Slovakia (NATO MN BG SVK), including the withdrawal of a Dutch Patriot air defence (AD) battery from the operational site at Sliač Air Base. This decision comes naturally following an assessment of the security situation in Slovakia and in the region as a range of other measures has been implemented to boost Slovakia's defences since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Commenting on the reduction in the number of Dutch soldiers and equipment, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Our allies have agreed to stay here as long as necessary. Given that we have put a large number of security measures in place, we can now reduce the presence of allied troops and assets on the ground. I want to thank the Netherlands for keeping its troops in Slovakia at a crucial moment.“

It comes as no surprise that contributions to the NATO MN BG SVK change with the evolving situation and the assigned tasks. The withdrawal of the Dutch Patriot missile system will not affect Slovakia's defensive capabilities. Operating alongside other SBAD systems, two German Patriot batteries will remain in Slovakia. Additionally, a U.S. Patriot battery is based at Kuchyňa-Malacky Air Base.

Most importantly, the Dutch AD element will be repositioned back to Slovakia immediately once the situation necessitates it. Meanwhile, the Netherlands will keep a reduced military presence in Slovakia and will retain its ability to make those capabilities available to the NATO MN BG SVK whenever necessary.

Dutch service personnel and equipment are due to start leaving Slovakia on Tuesday 11 October 2022.