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By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
In a strategic move to strengthen bilateral ties and support Jordan’s defense capabilities, the Netherlands has initiated the transfer of a substantial consignment of military vehicles and equipment to the Middle Eastern nation. The convoy, comprising 200 DAF YA-4442 trucks and 53 YPR armored vehicles, along with spare parts and tools, recently made its way to the Eemshaven for shipment to Jordan.
Overview of the Consignment
The consignment, weighing a total of 2,667,500 kilograms, includes aging assets from the Dutch Commando Landstrijdkrachten. The equipment, with over thirty years of service in various locations, underwent final assessments at disposal sites in Vriezenveen near Almelo and Oudemolen near Assen. These sites serve as showcases for the sale of decommissioned defense assets.
Logistics and Transport
Transporting the 4-ton trucks and YPR armored vehicles involved a meticulously planned process with four phases, utilizing 75 tractor-trailer combinations (tropco’s) and train transfers. The journey culminated at the Eemshaven, a military stronghold equipped with essential facilities for such operations. Major Harm-Jan Boering, the Disposal of Ground-Based Systems project leader, emphasized the logistical advantage of the Eemshaven over other ports, such as Rotterdam.
Vessel and Destination
The assets are set to be transported to Jordan via a ‘lift-on/lift-off’ ship hired by the Jordanian authorities through a civilian shipping company. It’s noteworthy that the Dutch Defense has no involvement or responsibility in the transport or offloading process. Lieutenant Colonel Harry Jansen, head of the Project Team for Ground-Based System Disposal, clarified that Dutch responsibility concludes upon the consignment’s departure from the Eemshaven.
Financial Considerations and Contract Details
While specific financial details remain undisclosed due to commercial considerations, it is highlighted that the funds received from Jordan will directly benefit the Dutch Defense rather than contribute to the national treasury, a departure from past practices. The negotiation and formalization of the contract occurred in 2020, with deliveries scheduled in phases from December 2022 to 2025.
Strategic Collaboration and Recurrent Partnership
The Netherlands’ Project Team for Ground-Based System Disposal, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance’s Section Marketing & Sales, initiated negotiations with Jordan in 2018. Jordan, being a recurrent client for decommissioned Dutch Defense assets, underscores the strong partnership between the two nations. Lieutenant Colonel Klaas Habing, head of the Section Marketing & Sales, highlights the project’s successful execution, attributing it to effective communication between all parties involved.
The transfer of military assets to Jordan reflects a diplomatic and strategic effort by the Netherlands to contribute to regional stability and enhance the defense capabilities of its partner nation. This collaboration not only serves defense interests but also strengthens the longstanding relationship between the Netherlands and Jordan.