News item | 22-05-2026 | 14:32
Defense will increasingly collaborate with other European countries in the development and purchase of vehicles, weapons, ammunition and other military equipment. The Netherlands joins OCCAR, a partnership of currently 6 European countries. Joining OCCAR contributes to strengthening European defense cooperation, which is an important ambition of this government. Moreover, it offers the Dutch defense industry opportunities for interesting orders.
The Netherlands joins Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom to become the seventh member of OCCAR (Organization Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement). Accession to OCCAR, which is separate from the EU and NATO, requires parliamentary approval. It bill was sent to the House of Representatives today by ministers Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (Defence) and Tom Berendsen (Foreign Affairs). Depending on parliamentary approval, the Netherlands is expected to formally join OCCAR later this year.
Better and easier collaboration
Minister Yeşilgöz: “More defense cooperation in Europe, including when purchasing equipment, is desperately needed. Cooperation through OCCAR means that our soldiers will soon work with the same equipment and vehicles as colleagues in our neighboring countries. This will allow us to collaborate better and easier during exercises and missions. In addition, it is cheaper for maintenance and the purchase of spare parts and it opens doors for Dutch companies that would otherwise remain closed.”
OCCAR currently manages 24 development and investment projects. An example is the Boxer armored vehicle. The Netherlands, which recently ordered additional vehicles, is already involved in this project as a cooperation partner. Also for it Multi-Role Tanker Transport OCCAR has acquired the device (NATO Multinational MRTT Unit in Eindhoven, in which the Netherlands also participates). Another eye-catching OCCAR project is the A400M transport aircraft.
Participation of Dutch companies
Joining OCCAR offers Defense more options when purchasing equipment. OCCAR handles the project management of the joint projects, which leads to greater efficiency. Moreover, OCCAR increases the chances of Dutch companies participating in international projects, even if Defense itself does not participate.
