The Dutch cabinet is considering the ‘desirability and possibilities’ of contributing to Turkish military defences after Ankara made a formal request to Nato for Patriot defence missiles.

Foreign minister Frans Timmermans and defence minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told parliament on Wednesday afternoon the cabinet is looking into the issue and they hope to update MPs in the short term.
‘Solidarity between allies will be an important deciding factor,’ a foreign ministry statement said.
Parliament positive
On Monday, the Volkskrant said the Netherlands and Germany are considering sending soldiers and Patriot air defence missiles to the Turkish border with Syria. The aim would be to protect Nato ally Turkey from Syrian aircraft and missiles.
A majority of MPs are positive about the idea of sending the Patriots, news agency ANP said.
If the cabinet honours Turkey’s request, it will be the third time Dutch Patriot missiles have been stationed in the Nato country. The Netherlands, Germany and the US are the only Nato countries with the most up-to-date Patriot systems.

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