Netherlands sends over 60 pickup trucks to Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces

The Netherlands has delivered more than 60 Toyota Hilux pickup trucks and unmanned systems to Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine, which can be used for reconnaissance, evacuation, logistics, mine detection and autonomous missions.

As reported by Ukrinform, Simon Wouda, Head of Taskforce Ukraine at the Dutch Defence Ministry, said that the vehicles had been purchased from civilian industry and repainted in military colours before being transferred to Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces to provide mobility for units operating both strike and interceptor drones. He added that the shipment was only part of a larger aid package that had already been delivered and would continue to be supplied.

Wouda stressed that what mattered was what Ukrainian soldiers received today because they were fighting right now.

He added that speed was crucial and emphasised that the Netherlands was not simply supplying weapons but delivering capabilities. According to Wouda, whenever a weapons system was transferred, it came with spare parts, ammunition, documentation translated into Ukrainian and, if necessary, training.

Representatives of Milrem Robotics, High Eye and Acecore Technologies were also present during the shipment and demonstrated equipment purchased by the Dutch Defence Ministry for Ukrainian troops.

These systems are already being used for reconnaissance, evacuation, logistics, mine detection and autonomous missions.

The Dutch Defence Ministry stressed that unmanned technologies have become one of the key factors in modern warfare and that supporting Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces is a strategic direction of bilateral cooperation.

Earlier, the Netherlands announced it would provide F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulators for training Ukrainian pilots.

Ukraine has also said it expects training for Ukrainian pilots on Gripen fighter jets to begin later this year.