“You can use it to stop approaching aircraft, drones and helicopters,” explains defense specialist Peter Wijninga. “Stingers are outdated by Dutch standards, but still excellent to use and effective. We now use other resources that are linked to radar systems.” Because in that sense it concerns surplus equipment, the Stingers could have been sent to Ukraine earlier, according to Wijninga.
Dick Zandee, defense expert at the Clingendael Institute, also has doubts about when the missiles are sent. “The question is whether they are still on time. Russia is now deploying many well-trained airborne troops that fly over by helicopter, because roads are bad. Now is the time to deploy those Stingers, but then you have to use them now. have.”
Especially not binding
Defense acknowledges that the Netherlands faces “logistical challenges” in the delivery of goods that were previously promised, such as helmets, shard vests and sniper rifles. How should the missiles be handed over to the Ukrainian troops? Both experts cannot say for sure, but assume that the transport has already started.
Wijninga notes that the Polish-Ukrainian border is open as usual. “There will be congestion with refugees, and Ukraine will keep a close eye on whether men of able-bodied age want to cross the border. Of course, Poland also keeps a close eye on who comes in. This causes delays, but that does not mean that that nothing can cross the border.”
This new pledge to Ukraine could provoke a response from the Russians, Wijninga said. “Although this concerns purely defensive weapons, it is possible that Russia will make itself heard. But you should see that as new intimidation. Also think of the Russian ambassador, who recently casually threatened with nuclear weapons. because he knows that the Dutch are afraid of nuclear war. Then they’ll give up, the Russians think. That is why I would say that we should not compromise.”
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