Next-Generation Anti-Tank Weapon to Be Selected by the Netherlands

[Defense Technology Quality Institute Mobile Firepower Division] The Netherlands is expanding the acquisition of new anti-tank weapons. Barbara Visser, the Dutch Minister of Defense, announced in the parliament that the quantity of new short-range anti-tank weapons and ammunition to be secured will be increased compared to previous plans.

According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the military currently operates ultra-short-range anti-tank weapons (VSRAT) with an effective range of 300m and short-range anti-tank weapons (SRAT) with a range of 600m. In the case of the latter, replacement is necessary due to outdated targeting systems.

For the Panzerfaust 3 VSRAT mounted on mobile vehicles, there is no need for replacement or acquisition, but 100 million to 250 million euros will be invested in acquiring infantry VSRAT (Very-Short-Range Anti-Tank) and SRAT (Short-Range Anti-Tank) systems.

For SRAT, there are plans to jointly review system requirements with Germany to counter vehicle-mounted active protection systems. The Netherlands plans to carry out the anti-tank weapon acquisition project from 2021 to 2027, with operational deployment scheduled for 2024.