Drones and other unmanned systems form a key part of the new Dutch Defence Strategy (Defensienota). Within five years, these are expected to account for more than half of operational capabilities.
According to Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, the plan will strengthen the armed forces, defence industry and society in close cooperation with allies. The strategy reflects a changing security environment, including Russia’s military build-up, China’s growing influence, instability in the Middle East, and increasing cyber threats. It also recognises the expectation that European countries will take greater responsibility for their own defence.
The strategy emphasises capabilities such as drones, AI, cyber, space, long-range weapons and the electromagnetic spectrum, in line with NATO priorities for future military operations.
Unmanned systems
Drones and other unmanned systems form a key part of the plans. Digitalisation, data and speed will be decisive factors. Information has to be translates into action more quickly. That is why sensors, data, intelligence, cyber, space and command and control will be much more closely integrated. This will enable the Ministry of Defence to observe, decide and act more quickly. The guiding principle is: unmanned where possible, manned where necessary.
The government does not always opt for the most advanced systems with long lead times. Priority is given to what is readily available and has an impact on the battlefield.
Innovation and upscaling authority
Cooperation with research institutions and our defence industry is essential for a strong Dutch armed forces. In this way, Defence is working towards the much-needed upscaling and investing in its technological edge. To realise these ambitions, the Ministry will gradually increase the proportion of the defence budget spent on innovation to ten per cent.
To support this ambition, the Ministry of Defence is establishing a dedicated innovation and upscaling authority. The aim is to accelerate the transition from innovative ideas to operational capability while adopting a more agile way of working. Innovation should move quickly from concept to deployment, with continuous learning and fewer bureaucratic barriers. Closer cooperation between the Ministry of Defence, industry and research institutions is considered essential to achieving these goals.
Boswijk: ‘To stay one step ahead of the enemy, we need a different kind of armed forces: one that takes risks, anticipates developments and learns whilst fighting. The greatest innovation is not a new weapons system, but a new way of working together. Through the defence innovation and upscaling authority, we are bridging the gap between laboratory and front line. The traditional client-supplier relationship is giving way to partnerships with research institutions and industry. We cannot innovate alone: we need industry that dares to scale up, investors who are willing to get on board, and research institutions that translate knowledge into combat capability. The Ministry of Defence supports this with long-term contracts and off-take guarantees. The momentum has been set in motion. Now we must keep up the pace.’
Personnel to grow
Personnel remain central to the combat effectiveness of the Dutch armed forces. By 2030, the Ministry of Defence aims to employ more than 100,000 people, including a significantly expanded reservist force. Reservists will become a permanent part of operational units, enabling the armed forces to scale up rapidly during crises or conflict and return to their regular structure once the security situation allows.
According to the Defence Strategy, strengthening the armed forces is an immediate priority rather than a long-term ambition. The investments made today are intended to ensure the Netherlands can deter threats, conduct military operations and provide long-term security when required.
