News item | 04-04-2025 | 16:00
An more innovative Dutch defense industry that can scale up its capacity faster. This is necessary for a strong armed forces that keeps the Netherlands and our allies safe, to reduce unwanted industrial dependencies and the use of economic opportunities. In order to make the right choices and to use actions, the Council of Ministers has established the new defense strategy for industry and innovation on the proposal of the Brekelmans (Defense), Beljaarts (Economic Affairs) and State Secretary of Gardener (Defense).
The strategy, which builds on the earlier defense industry strategy of both ministries from 2018 and the strategic knowledge and innovation agenda (SKIA) 2021-2025 of Defense, can be summarized as strong, smart and together: the cabinet is going to invest in the Dutch defense industry, stimulates nationally and goes to a new way of innovation and going to work in innovation and goes to work in innovation and goes to work in a smartmere way and goes together in innovation and goes together in innovation and goes together in innovation and goes together in innovation and goes together in innovation and goes together in innovation and goes together in a smartmere way. The defense and safety industry in the Netherlands consists of around 1,000 small and large companies that together have a turnover of € 7.7 billion
In the 2024 defense minister, the cabinet has cleared € 1.15 billion for the coming years to scale up the defense industry. Defense will spend € 310 million this year and intends to make this budget available for, among other things, the Action Plan Uniminent Systems, the increase of the Secfund, Innovation SCREATS PROJECTS and raising existing financing instruments of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Strong
With a strong defense industry and knowledge base, the government wants to build a armed forces of the future and put off opponents. This means that all relevant Dutch knowledge institutions are mobilized, that purchasing is faster and more efficiently and that financial institutions can and want to invest more in the defense industry. The three relevant ministers today put the deed to the Word of the Launch today by drawing declarations of intent with companies Lobster Robotics and De Haas Shipyards.
Smart
To strengthen industry and innovation and position the Netherlands internationally, choices must be made. The government will therefore focus on extra investments in five areas within the chain of industry, innovation and knowledge: smart materials (composites, 3D printing), space technology, quantum, intelligent systems (AI technology, drones) and sensors such as radars. In addition, the Dutch maritime manufacturing industry remains an important pillar.
Together
Strengthening the armed forces and Dutch industry can only be done together. It is necessary to connect all relevant parties such as the government, companies, knowledge institutions and the financial sector. That is why regional ecosystems are being developed and built up and public-private partnerships through Defort, a joint venture between the government, companies, industry and knowledge institutions, is being strengthened.
A solid international positioning of the Netherlands is also essential for strengthening our armed forces and industry. The government will therefore focus internationally more internationally on demand bundling, so that larger contracts can be deported in the industry. The focus is also on opening up supply chains, co -production and standardization. This happens bilaterally, between groups of countries, and in EU and NATO context.
Finally, the collaboration with the Ukrainian defense industry is intensified. For example, by looking for possibilities for bundling with purchasing processes for the needs of Ukraine with the needs of the Dutch armed forces.
Start of the start
The new defense industry and innovation strategy is a starting signal. Together with all partners, the cabinet now wants the words and plans to be converted into concrete actions and results. This is of great importance for our safety, now and in the future.