News item | 16-10-2025 | 19:36
The opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) offers are enormous. For Europe and the Netherlands in general, and for the armed forces in particular. That is why Defense is contributing to an AI factory in Groningen. A place where knowledge, data, talent and applications come together. And where researchers, entrepreneurs and governments such as Defense gain access to artificial intelligence. “It is an investment in our freedom,” State Secretary Tuinman said today in a video message.
That video message was shown during the festive presentation of the AI factory in Groningen.
Gijs Tuinman, State Secretary of Defense: “Technology plays a leading role on the modern battlefield. AI is already changing warfare, every day. It predicts when preventive maintenance of equipment is necessary. It converts drone images into algorithms. In short, it is indispensable to stay one step ahead of opponents at all times. To remain innovative and autonomous.”
Financing
Defense is focusing on crucial key technologies such as AI. The AI factory will provide major computing power for the security of the Netherlands and our allies. Defense underlines this importance by contributing €30 million to the AI factory. But other governments and the EU also share in the financing. After all, competitive AI is just as important for industry, the energy sector, healthcare and agriculture. The Groningen location contributes to ‘Nij Begun’, the Economic Agenda for Groningen and North Drenthe. In addition, the province offers the necessary energy capacity and sufficient space for the AI factory.
Digital threat
The AI factory will work with a large expertise center and a supercomputer with as much computing power as 1.5 million iPhones. The expertise center will be completed in mid-2026 and the supercomputer in 2027. Then the AI factory will prove its worth. For example, with AI models that recognize diseases more quickly, or that make it easier to combat weeds in precision agriculture. Or consider models that charge home batteries more intelligently. And don’t forget the options with which Defense can cope with the increasing physical and especially digital threat.
“The arrival of the AI factory is very good news,” said State Secretary Tuinman.