Reference Message Network reported on June 14 that Japan Yahoo News published an article on June 10 titled "The Former 'Zero Tank Country' Netherlands Quietly Introduces the Most Advanced Tank." The full text is compiled as follows:

The military actions of Russia against Ukraine have led to continuous tension in Europe. In this context, the Netherlands has demonstrated a flexible defense strategy that balances economic rationality and geopolitical reality. On May 14, the Netherlands announced the purchase of 46 Leopard-2A8 main battle tanks, with deliveries planned to begin in 2028.

In fact, the Netherlands was one of the rare Western developed countries with a "zero tank" status. At first glance, it seems like the Netherlands is going backward by abandoning all main battle tanks and starting to reacquire them. However, upon closer examination, this can also be seen as a model of skillfully balancing economic rationality and military modernization.

The Netherlands used to be a tank power, at its peak possessing about 900 tanks. Since the 1960s, the Netherlands deployed 465 Leopard-1 tanks. In 1981, the Netherlands became the first country to purchase Leopard-2 tanks, equipping a total of 445 units. Considering the population of the Netherlands was approximately 14 million at that time, it is not difficult to see the significant investment the Netherlands made in developing its defense capabilities.

However, in 2011, to cut budget deficits and re-plan security strategies, the Dutch government decided to淘汰 all Leopard-2A6 tanks and disband the armored corps. Personnel, training, maintenance, and supply systems related to tank operations were all dismantled, and the tank corps disappeared from the Dutch army. This bold policy once caused huge controversy.

Nevertheless, the Netherlands did not completely lose its tank combat capability. Starting in 2015, the Netherlands began cooperating with the German Army; Dutch soldiers were integrated into German tank units, forming a bilateral coordinated tank unit. By using German tanks operated and trained by Dutch soldiers, the Netherlands maintained a minimum level of tank combat capability.

This model, as a new attempt at force sharing within NATO, drew attention, with some praising its ability to reduce costs while maintaining readiness.

However, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the domestic reflection in the Netherlands on the "zero tank" model's excessive emphasis on economic rationality became increasingly strong. People gradually realized that tanks are not just weapons but also symbols of national will and deterrence. Thus, the Netherlands began to reverse course and rebuild its own tank forces.

It is worth noting that the Netherlands sold its Leopard-2A6 tanks at relatively high prices and then collaborated with Germany to introduce the latest Leopard-2A8 tanks. If the Netherlands had continued to hold the older Leopard-2A6 models, they might have required large-scale modernization upgrades. The Netherlands' decision to sell these tanks in 2011 not only generated profits from the sales but also reduced modernization and maintenance costs.

From a fiscal rationality perspective, the strategy of purchasing the most advanced Leopard-2A8 tanks at the right time is very effective.

Leopard-2A8 features the latest technologies such as sensors, communication functions, and modular armor, far surpassing Leopard-2A6 in defensive and combat capabilities. Since the purchased specifications are identical to those of the German Army's current equipment, cost reduction can be achieved through standardized maintenance and supply.

However, while bringing significant economic benefits, there are some drawbacks. For the Netherlands, which has not had an independent tank corps for over ten years, retraining and operating a tank corps will require a long time. Training tank crews requires advanced technical training, training equipment, and simulated combat environments. Additionally, systematic training for unit commanders and maintenance personnel is crucial, and rebuilding readiness will take several years.

To break away from reliance on Germany and establish an independent tank corps requires political and organizational preparations. This process cannot be accomplished overnight, and it is expected that readiness levels will be restricted in the short term.

In summary, this rare successful case of the Netherlands rationally reconstructing its military strength from scratch is hardly replicable by other countries.

The transition from "zero tanks" to acquiring the most advanced tanks in the Netherlands serves as a model of skillful balance between the rationalization and reconstruction of defense capabilities in national governance. It also highlights that tanks are not just weapons but also "political tools" that demonstrate national will and geopolitical status. (Compiled/translated by Liu Lin)

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7515683543150821907/

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