The Dutch Ministry of Defence will increasingly collaborate with other European countries on the development and procurement of vehicles, weapons, ammunition and other military equipment. The Netherlands is joining OCCAR, a partnership currently comprising six European countries.
Joining OCCAR contributes to strengthening European defence cooperation, which is a key ambition of the Dutch government. Furthermore, it offers the Dutch defence industry opportunities for lucrative contracts.
The Netherlands is joining Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, thereby becoming the seventh member of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement).
Accession to OCCAR, which is independent of the EU and NATO, requires parliamentary approval. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives on 22 May by Ministers Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (Defence) and Tom Berendsen (Foreign Affairs). Subject to parliamentary approval, the Netherlands is expected to formally join OCCAR later this year.
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Better and easier cooperation
Minister Yeşilgöz: ‘Greater defence cooperation in Europe, including in the procurement of equipment, is urgently needed. Cooperation through OCCAR means that our military personnel will soon be using the same equipment and vehicles as their colleagues in neighbouring countries more often. This will enable us to cooperate better and more easily during exercises and missions. It is also more cost-effective in terms of maintenance and the procurement of spare parts, and it opens doors for Dutch companies that would otherwise remain closed.’
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24 projects
OCCAR currently manages 24 development and investment projects. One example is the Boxer armoured vehicle. The Netherlands, which recently ordered additional vehicles, is already involved in this project as a partner.
The Netherlands is also participating in the E-NACSOS project, which seeks to improve the ability to identify, classify and track missile threats. Other OCCAR projects in the naval domain include Horizon MLU/FREMM multi-mission frigates, a logistic support ship design, MU90 light-weight torpedoes, and maritime mine counter measures capabilities.
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Participation of Dutch companies
Joining OCCAR offers the Ministry of Defence more opportunities when procuring equipment. OCCAR manages the joint projects, leading to greater efficiency. Furthermore, OCCAR increases the chances of Dutch companies participating in international projects, even if the Ministry of Defence itself is not involved.
Picture: The Royal Netherlands Navy’s Joint Logistic Support Ship Karel Doorman (photo by the Ministry of Defence, for illustrative purposes only).
