Netherlands builds new training facilities for special forces
Two new centres to train Dutch special forces will be up and running by the mid-2020s.
The Dutch MoD is investing between €25 million and €100 million ($30.15 million to $120.59 million) on new shooting ranges for Netherlands Special Operations Command (NLD SOCOM).
Facilities at Soesterberg and Ossendrecht will ensure that NLD SOCOM is given training opportunities ‘that meet all modern requirements’, Dutch defence minister Barbara Visser announced on 14 January.
The Soesterberg site is expected to open by 2023 for use by the Special Security Missions Brigade and Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces. The Ossendrecht centre will open in 2024 at the earliest.
Until then, Dutch SF will train in a temporary facility.
Both of the new sites will have a building for CQB live fire, sniper tower and 100m-long, 270-degree indoor shooting range.
There will be mobile bullet traps and a video tracking system with intercom, which will be operated from the control room. In addition, both shooting galleries will include mechanical ventilation to discharge gases.
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