Well I thought about MALE UAV like the Heron which can be used far a great deal of roles.
In an serious emergency which sees the Netherlands as defender and not as aggressor I can hardly imagine that the NATO ressources will be denied.
Anyway I though and read a little about the IMV Bushmaster and the effectivness of the crew served weapons in general.
The Dutch Bushmaster
Take the Ozzie baseline address the specific weaknesses detected by the soldiers. Ask many questions, ask for many details. Things like
(i) To which extent can the amor, especially the one against IEDs and mines be improved without getting too negative returns in other areas of performance? Seats are also a key component of the "armor". Camo, SA and good weapons form also intrinsic parts of the protection of the crew. How can I improve them in this component, how in accordance with the wider system/network?
(ii) To which exten can I increase the comfort and safety of the crew and infantry? The scorching heat of Afghanistan can be mitigated by modern camouflage which shades the skin and breaks up the visual and IR outline of the FV. An isolating paint or a light and cheap layer on top of the FV and the outlaying systems will reduce the heat-up and the signature. This mitigates also the strain on air conditioning systems.
a) Fit every or every second IMV used for patrolling with a sniper detection system like the Boomerang or muzzle flash detector. Add a seperate periscope/light RWS with an MG for the commander with good optics and IR. The secundary RWS is a goodie, if too complex, screw it. The seperate wide-view optic is imporant to allow the commander/assistent gunner (an infantry guy) to get SA and search for the target.
Every shot taken at the IMV will get automatically geolocalized with the help of the GPS. Feed the information into the BMS (Battle management system) and into the sighting systems of the RWS and the commander. This helps to get the eyes on the sources of fire really quick.
b) The IMV should be equipped with the same RWS with two main configurations, GMG or HMG. It should have excellent optics (IR and day) with good optical zoom (4-16), Laser range finder and the ability to geolocate the target and mark it at night with IR. With a ballistic computer providing a accurate firing solution already the first round should be spot on. This way you will be able to acquire, identify and engage the target speedily, call in arty and air really fast and easiyl mark the target for CAS or fire support at night.
(i) Without the secundary, independent RWS on top possibly add a coaxial MG or LMG to the GMG RWS. It gives redundency and a different tool with a lot of ammo. This version is the ideal for quick and deadly suppression. Plenty of different rounds available for that one, so something for all the tastes. It has also some indirect capability too.
(ii) The HMG version is the "sniper" and can reach out a long way. It has the same "basic" package but might get a two Spike launchers instead of the coaxial MG if cost and weight allow it. A crazy idea might be a duo/quad of Bunker/Panzerfausts with an warhead suited against infantry on the side of the RWS, slated to the optics and the FCS. Should help to break ambushes pretty fast and give four mighty heavy punches with a relative cheap ammo.
c) Look into an active defense suite, like the AMAP-T, as it may be just a matter of time unitil the IMV has a nasty encounter with a modern AT missile or round. It seems to be likely and sensible addition of almost any AFV. It may also increase SA by helping to detect the source of the incoming fire.
d) Equip a couple of them with heavier belly armor and the tools (cameras, sensors) needed to detect and handle IEDs under armor. If not sufficient to the task, buy specialized platforms. This is an too important aspect to neglect. It is a very important, yet very small component in the broader fight against the IEDs and mines.
e) Given that the IMV will have to function in an fire support I think that a GCS/system for a couple small/micro UAV should always be present. This will require a trained operator. The data/video link should be fed into the BMS.
f) The FOO of the Fire support team should of course be able to acccess the BMS/maps to faciliate the integration of the indirect fire suppoort. He still will have his personal equipment.
g) When organic IDF support is needed an IMV Bushmaster with appropriate trailer might function as an mini-RSTA mortar vehicle with enough rounds for most fights. You can transport in a 2 men UAV team ( Skylark-alike), an FO (CAS, IDF), a mortar crew of 4 men, an RWS gunner. A 120mm or 81mm mortar should be used depending on the situation, and the 3-men "mortar section" will be supported by other members of the "Bushmaster platoon", like the second men of the UAV section.
In most of the current missions in Afghanistan the smaller 81mm might often the better tool for the job, as the 120mm mortar has not yet guided rounds which makes close suppor due to the large payload more dangerous. The range should usually suffice and the large amount of the compact rounds should be helpful. It is also less hard on the soft underground and easier to handle. Anyway it depends also on the larger plans of the Army.
The Fennek with all his gear and the UAV would be able to perform the RSTA part a great deal better. In this case you can use the Bushmaster to carry more eyes and hands to the battle.
The Dutch Fennek
As far as I can see the Royal Army has a sensible approach to the many Fenneks it purchased. Seemingly the Dutch already have the assets required for g) in place: An combination of an Fennek voorwaartse waarnemer (Forward Observer/Detector) or an Verkennings- en Bewakingsvoertuigan version an Fennek moritier with an 81mm mortar. IMHO the Korps should get the same vehicles or similar capabilites. See g)
In any case the combination of both vehicles should include UAV (the Aladin is already leased in small numbers) and perhaps UGV beside the excellent sensor suite.