THE HAGUE, November 28. /TASS/. The Netherlands has decided to join the French initiative to develop long-range missiles, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans wrote on his X page.

"European countries need long-range missiles," he said. "That's why I announced in Paris that the Netherlands wants to participate in the French initiative to develop them," the top defense official said.

Under the French ELSA (European Long-Range Strike Approach) initiative, European countries want to develop land-based cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. The United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Sweden are also participating in the project. It is expected to take several years to complete. The cost has not yet been disclosed.