Netherlands Antilles

Reliability 4 (Poor)

 

GDP $3.5-billion 2009

 

An autonomous country within the Kingdom of Netherlands. Foreign affairs and defense are responsibility of the Netherlands.

 

A planned dissolution into two independent countries (Curacao and St. Maarten) with Bonaire, Saba, and Saint Eustatius joining the Netherlands has been indefinitely postponed. Remains a single municipality of the Netherlands.

 

 

Because of the rise of terrorism, the increase pressure by drug smugglers, and the misgovernment, corruption, and volatility of the Caribbean, there are serious security issues.  As yet the radical government of Venezuela has not turned its attention to this country, but if and when that happens, many more complications can ensue.

 

United States uses Aruba and Curacao to base National Guard units that fly anti-drug surveillance patrols and AWACS protection, and fighter detachments rotate through on a regular basis. Six F-16s normally are based at Curacao; the aircraft operate without ammunition or live missiles.

 

Netherlands Forces

 

            HQ 3^rd Marine Commando Battalion (32^nd Company at Aruba)

 

                        31^st Company

                        33^rd Company

 

National Guard (VK)

            VKC Curacao              250

            VKB Bonaire  

            VKSM St. Martin’s      70

            VKE St. Eustatius

            VKSa Saba (forming)

 

Coast Guard of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba

            4 patrol boats

            6 inshore patrol boats

            3 cutters

 

Maritime air surveillance is provided by the Royal Netherlands Navy ans consist of MR aircraft on detachment.

 

A $12-million maritime surveillance system built around 8 coastal stations is under installation for anti-drug operations, search and rescue, and to combat illegal immigration.

 

Police