THE HAGUE – The Netherlands will strengthen its military defenses in the Caribbean with anti-ship missiles, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed in answers to parliamentary questions. Notably, Dutch security analysts are warning at the same time that not only the instability in Venezuela but also US military operations pose a risk to Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten. According to them, those operations could even create problems for the Dutch armed forces in the region.
The purchase of anti-ship missiles is explicitly mentioned in the answers to questions about the 2026 Defence White Paper, which Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius and State Secretary Derk Boswijk sent to Parliament on Friday, October 16.
These are weapons used to engage hostile ships at sea. The Ministry of Defence is not disclosing how many missiles will be purchased, which type will be chosen, where the systems will be stationed, or when they are to become operational.
It is also still unclear whether the missiles will be deployed from land or from naval vessels.
Warning about US military actions
The same day saw the publication of the National Security Risk Analysis 2026. The report was prepared by the Analysts Network for National Security (ANV), commissioned by the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV). The network includes, among others, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), TNO, Clingendael, the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD).
In the thematic report on international and military threats, the researchers devote extensive attention to the security situation in the Caribbean.
In doing so, they explicitly point to the consequences that US military operations could have for the Dutch islands.
Permanent marine unit
Against this backdrop, the Netherlands is expanding its military capacity in the Caribbean.
In its answers to Parliament, the Ministry of Defence confirms that a permanent marine unit will be established. In addition, investments are being made in an air surveillance radar, counter-drone systems, and additional flight hours for the Dash 8 reconnaissance aircraft of the Caribbean Coast Guard.
The Caribbean military personnel will also receive extra equipment, weaponry and infrastructure. A limited expansion of personnel will follow from 2029.
Investments are also being made in the renewal of the naval fleet. The Caribbean Coast Guard is growing as well, with nearly eighty additional positions to be filled over the coming years.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the investments are necessary because of the seriously deteriorated international security situation.
Military cooperation with five countries
Meanwhile, the Netherlands is working more closely with the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Canada.
This takes place within the Framework for the Western Hemisphere Allied Collaboration (F-WHAC), a strategic partnership intended to better coordinate the military efforts of the five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
According to the Ministry of Defence, this includes joint participation in planned exercises and better alignment of existing military assets.
The partnership receives no separate budget, and no additional operational capacity is being deployed within this framework. The Dutch contribution is paid for out of existing budgets.
For Curaçao, military cooperation with the United States is particularly relevant. The Americans have used Hato Airport for more than 25 years for operations aimed at combating drug smuggling.
No link established
It is not clear from the answers to the parliamentary questions whether the planned purchase of anti-ship missiles is directly linked to the tensions surrounding Venezuela or to US military operations.
The Ministry of Defence cites the deteriorated international security situation as the general reason for expanding the armed forces, but does not specify which concrete threats the new anti-ship missiles are meant to counter.
The risk analysis, meanwhile, shows that Dutch security experts are also taking into account problems that could arise from the military actions of a major ally.
