Netherlands Signs Defense Innovation Deal to Boost Military Technology Through Regional Partnerships

2025-12-20 community

The Hague, Saturday, 20 December 2025.
Dutch State Secretary Gijs Tuinman signed agreements with regional development companies to accelerate defense innovation using dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military purposes. This strategic shift toward public-private partnerships aims to strengthen national security capabilities while boosting regional economic growth, with North Holland alone positioning itself to leverage its strong AI, drone, and cybersecurity ecosystem for defense applications.

Strategic Partnership Covers Key Dutch Regions

The Letter of Intent signed on Saturday, December 20, 2025, encompasses multiple Dutch regions including East and Central Netherlands, North Holland, and Zeeland [1]. For North Holland specifically, the agreement was signed by Esther Rommel, deputy of North Holland province, Niels Blij representing Avy as chairman of the Defense Innovation Steering Group North Holland, Bart Sattler serving as Northwest Regional Ambassador for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest [1]. This signing represents an expansion of similar agreements previously established in South Holland, Limburg, and North Brabant [1]. The ceremony took place during the Purple Nectar Event 2025 in Nijkerk, an annual defense knowledge and innovation event focused on sharing the latest technological developments for a flexible and future-proof military force [1].

Dual-Use Technology Focus Creates Economic Opportunities

The collaboration centers on dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military applications, aligning with the Ministry of Defense’s ambition to invest substantially in innovation [1]. These technologies not only contribute to Netherlands’ security and resilience but also strengthen the future earning capacity of participating regions [1]. For North Holland, this creates significant opportunities given the region’s robust innovation ecosystem, with companies actively working in artificial intelligence, drones, and digital security [1]. Janet Nieboer emphasized that this cooperation “opens new doors for North Holland entrepreneurs working on innovative technologies” and will “increase their chances of success while accelerating the application of dual-use technology for a resilient society” [1]. ROM InWest has already begun recruiting for this initiative, seeking a Senior Business Developer Dual Use Innovation who will serve as the primary contact for all dual-use innovation activities and provide Defense with insight and access to the growing regional network of dual-use companies [2].

Regional Development Companies Drive Defense Innovation

The Dutch regional development companies (ROMs) are positioning themselves as key drivers in national defense innovation initiatives. ROM-Nederland has recognized the urgency outlined in Peter Wennink’s report “Route naar toekomstige welvaart” and stands ready to serve as regional motors for innovation [8]. The ROMs coordinate SecFund, a €100 million investment program from the Ministry of Defense specifically for dual-use applications [8]. They also organize trade missions through the TINL network, including specialized drone missions, and facilitate the establishment of foreign companies in strategic growth markets [8]. Earlier agreements have already shown tangible results - in November 2025, provinces including Flevoland and Utrecht, along with ROM Utrecht Region and Horizon Flevoland, signed a letter of intent with State Secretary Tuinman to strengthen defense innovation through collaboration with innovative small and medium enterprises [6].

Strategic Infrastructure Supports Defense Technology Development

The Netherlands has been systematically building infrastructure to support defense technology development, with particular emphasis on drone capabilities and cybersecurity. The Ministry of Defense recently selected Marknesse for the Quick Response Drone Facility (QRDF), which offers NATO-certified airspace, wind tunnel capacities, drone test permits, and large-scale facilities [4]. This selection demonstrates the strategic importance of establishing specialized testing and development centers for emerging military technologies. Additionally, the launch of the Cyber Resilience Center Flevoland in October 2025 reflects the growing emphasis on cybersecurity infrastructure [7]. The combination of these specialized facilities with the new public-private partnership agreements creates a comprehensive ecosystem for defense innovation, positioning the Netherlands to compete more effectively in emerging technologies critical to national security while simultaneously boosting regional economic development through technological advancement.

Bronnen

defense innovation public-private partnerships