A military convoy consisting of howitzer artillery will travel 200 kilometers across the Netherlands tomorrow.
A large military convoy will move through the Netherlands tomorrow, covering about 200 kilometers as part of a military exercise called Ferocious Bison. The Ministry of Defense warned that the movement could cause significant traffic disruptions. The convoy will include four armored howitzers, each weighing around 60,000 kilograms, along with support vehicles. The convoy will travel from Oirschot in Brabant to Stroe in Gelderland.
For security reasons, the ministry did not disclose the exact route, but the convoy will adhere to highways and national roads (N-roads), avoiding the shorter route of 120 kilometers, and will instead take a winding path across the country. The vehicles will travel at a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour, and other road users will not be allowed to cut in between. The ministry also warned drivers that the convoy has priority even at pedestrian crossings, and if the leading vehicle crosses on a green light, the rest of the convoy may continue even when the signal turns red. The front of the convoy will be marked with a blue flag, and the rear with a green flag.
This operation is the first major training for the 11th Mobile Artillery Brigade (11 AfdRA) that was revived last summer after being downsized in 2013. Its revival comes as part of the Netherlands' response to the war in Ukraine and the increasing threat from Russia.
Armored howitzer artillery is heavy but mobile, capable of hitting long-range targets. Its success depends on its ability to reposition repeatedly, which explains this large-scale maneuver. Tomorrow's movement aims to train the unit on mobility under real traffic conditions, while enhancing its combat readiness.
After the convoy arrives in Stroe, it will continue its journey on Sunday to 't Harde, where the division will conduct live ammunition training next week. The ministry confirmed that this training is essential to ensure the readiness of the Dutch armed forces to face future security challenges.