The UK and Netherlands defence ministers published a joint statement on 4 November 2026 describing the two countries as natural defence partners. The statement was issued by UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, and covers NATO, support for Ukraine and cooperation on future capabilities.

The ministers noted that British and Dutch forces have trained and operated together through their joint Amphibious Force for more than fifty years, and that cooperation now extends across maritime, land and air domains as NATO Allies and partners in the Joint Expeditionary Force. They said work continues at pace on the joint Amphibious Transport Ship programme, which they described as a demonstration of joint industrial capability.

Looking ahead, the statement said the two countries will seek to deepen capability cooperation, align investment, strengthen supply chains and accelerate innovation into military capability. It also cited joint work supporting Ukraine through Multinational Force Ukraine and cooperation through the Strait of Hormuz Multinational Military Mission to uphold maritime security and freedom of navigation. The ministers said the relationship reinforces NATO's deterrence and defence.