Netherlands MOD Calls for Industry Partnership to Scale Drone Production

The Netherlands Ministry of Defense has invited companies to collaborate on expanding the country’s drone operations.

Through the Action Plan for Production Reliability of Unmanned Systems (APOS), the ministry aims to quickly produce and adapt new drones, improving situational awareness and soldier safety.

Lessons from the war in Ukraine have shown how drones can support reconnaissance, logistics, and combat. The Netherlands now plans to increase domestic drone production to strengthen self-reliance and technological capacity.

An official tender is open for Dutch startups and companies to submit proposals—individually or jointly—by October 29. Under APOS, all defense units are collaborating to develop systems tailored to their needs while bolstering the national defense industry.

In partnership with the Province of South Holland, the ministry is also creating the first national drone test area, where drones can fly beyond visual line of sight. The facility will support testing, training, and operational readiness.