The fight for supremacy in space PHOTO

The satellites, which will be installed over the next two years, are expected to strengthen the Netherlands' strategic position in space, writes the NL Times.

The first two satellites are planned for launch in June and October this year, while the remaining two will be launched in the second quarter of 2026.

The initiative's main goal is to improve surveillance of the North Sea, and the satellites will also improve the military's ability to track troop movements on land, providing key intelligence for defense and military strategy planning.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Netherlands is actively working on satellites.

In the past, the Dutch military has used commercial space companies, including Virgin Orbit, which launched the Brick-II mini-satellite in 2021.

Now, in order to reduce dependence on private companies, the Dutch Ministry of Defense is exploring the possibility of a partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA).

"It would be useful for ESA to take over the launch. Europe is aiming to become less dependent on American and Russian space infrastructure," said Patrick Boulder of The Hague Center for Strategic Studies.

Boulder indicated that previous launches of Dutch military satellites had considered using Russian Soyuz rockets, which is now no longer an option due to geopolitical tensions.

"Those times are over," he added.