13 Mechanised Brigade

Thanks to its armoured and non-armoured vehicles, 13 Mechanised Brigade can be deployed for a wide range of tasks over great distances. Whether those tasks are combat operations, peace operations, assistance in the Netherlands or ceremonial tasks, the brigade can provide professional personnel for peace and security anywhere in the world.

The core of 13 Mechanised Brigade is formed by various armoured vehicles, such as the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle, the Pantserhouwitser 2000NL self-propelled howitzer, and the Leopard 2A6 main battle tank. Its heavy weaponry allows the brigade to operate at the high end of the spectrum of force.

The infantry fighting vehicle, which forms the backbone of the unit, will be replaced in phases this year. The YPR, which has served successfully for decades, will make way for various versions of the ultramodern CV90, equipped with a 35mm rapid-fire gun.

Materiel

The following pieces of army equipment are essential for the brigade:

30 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks;
12 Pantserhouwitser 2000NL self-propelled howitzers;
97 Fennek wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicles;
135 YPR-765 / 92 CV90-35NL armoured tracked vehicles;
18 x 81 mm mortars.

Units:

Employing some 3,000 personnel, 13 Mechanised Brigade is one of largest employers in the southern Netherlands.

Combat units:
o 17 Mechanised Infantry Battalion ‘Prinses Irene’ Fusilier Guards Regiment;
o 42 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Limburgse Jagers;
o 11 Tank Battalion ‘Sytzama’ Hussars Regiment
o 42 Brigade Reconnaissance Squadron ‘Boreel’ Hussars Regiment.
Combat Support Units:
o 41 Armoured Engineer Battalion;
o 11 Mobile Artillery Battalion;
Logistic units:
o 13 Repair Company;
o 13 Medical Company.

Besides 13 Mechanised Brigade, the army has one other mechanised brigade, namely 43 Mechanised Brigade.