The Netherlands plans to significantly strengthen its military with the help of drones — Euractiv
The Dutch Ministry of Defense has published a new “Defense White Paper 2026,” in which it identifies unmanned technologies as a key element of future armed forces.
The strategy was developed based on a thorough analysis of combat experience gained during conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The document emphasizes that unmanned systems will be integrated “wherever possible.”
The defense ministry’s ambitious plan calls for more than half of all combat results to be achieved through the use of drones within the next five years.
According to the strategy, which runs to over 100 pages, the Dutch armed forces will transition to a mix of high-quality and affordable, replaceable unmanned systems.
This approach is expected to significantly increase the effectiveness of units on the battlefield and minimize risks to personnel.
A key step will be the creation, in collaboration with the defense industry, of a special “development laboratory.”
This agency will test the latest countermeasures against enemy drones and promote technological innovation to build a “Dutch drone ecosystem.”
This was reported by Euractiv.
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