The Dutch government has presented a new strategy to boost Dutch defence. A total of EUR 1.15 billion will be available to strengthen the industry. EUR 310 million will be spent this year, among others on the Unmanned Systems Action Plan.
This is needed because of growing security threats in Europe. The strategy focuses on strengthening the defence industry and future-proof armed forces. Minister Ruben Brekelmans and State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman reported on the new strategy to the House of Representatives on 4 April.
In addition to the the Unmanned Systems Action Plan, the budget will benefit innovation scaling-up projects. It also boosts the so-called Security Fund (SecFund). The same applies to existing funding instruments of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
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Strong, smart and together
The large-scale Russian threat represents a new reality. The Netherlands must contribute more to our common defence through NATO. This requires more production and innovation for the defence industry. The new strategy should ensure that the Netherlands and its allies stay safe in a changing world.
The strategy can be summarised as “strong, smart and together”: a strong armed forces, smart innovation and (inter)national cooperation. The government wants the Dutch defence industry to be able to compete. To achieve that, it invests in knowledge, innovation and industry upscaling. The focus is on five areas: smart materials, sensors, quantum, space technology and intelligent systems.
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Underwater and welding robot
Examples of this investment are the agreements with Lobster Robotics and De Haas Shipyards. The State Secretary put his signatures during the launch of the strategy. In the collaboration with Lobster Robotics, the “Scout” is being prepared. This is an underwater robot with optical sensor that inspects critical underwater infrastructure.
The Ministries of Defence and of Economic Affairs are looking at options with De Haas Shipyards for the purchase of a welding robot. They will also work together to enable automation and robotisation of (military) shipbuilding.
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Quick and concrete results
The strategy emphasises the importance of cooperation between the government, companies, knowledge institutes and other partners. In addition, it is important to achieve quick and concrete results. Therefore, an annual action agenda with concrete objectives is published.
The letter to the House of Representatives is also on behalf of Minister Dirk Beljaarts of Economic Affairs.
Picture: An underwater robot is being launched (photo by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
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