Dutch armed forces to expand unmanned weapons systems across all branches
The Dutch armed forces will significantly expand the use of unmanned weapons systems across all branches in the coming years, Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced on Monday. The shift, outlined in the 2026 Defence White Paper presented at Gilze-Rijen airbase, marks a complete transformation of the armed forces, prioritising drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber capabilities over traditional heavy armour such as tanks.
The plan, which does not increase the size of the military but reorients its structure, will see the Dutch armed forces rely on 200,000 personnel in wartime, supported by a network of unmanned systems. Ollongren stated that the evolving nature of warfare, particularly in light of Russia’s preparations for a prolonged confrontation, necessitates a new approach. “The way we fight wars has fundamentally changed,” she said. “Investments must now focus on drones, AI, and cyber to ensure our forces remain effective and adaptable.”
The expansion includes investments in counter-drone technologies, with the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security granting prisons the authority to intercept and disrupt drones approaching high-security facilities . Meanwhile, the US Army is also accelerating its adoption of autonomous systems, seeking up to 100 drone boats to address vessel shortages in the Pacific .
European defence startups are emerging as key players in this transformation. Estonian firm Vegvisir, which develops command-and-control software for unmanned systems, announced a funding round led by Iron Wolf Capital to integrate allied drone networks into a unified battlefield platform . In Germany, Rheinmetall is collaborating with startups to secure multi-billion-euro contracts for space-based defence projects, including radar satellites and orbital security systems .
The shift reflects a broader trend across NATO members, with countries like Belgium developing secret national defence plans such as *Plan Shield* to protect against potential conflicts . Meanwhile, demand for counter-drone solutions is surging, with Israeli company Smart Shooter reporting increased orders from the US military for kinetic systems to neutralise small drones .
Analysts suggest the Dutch strategy could serve as a model for other European nations grappling with the dual challenges of rising security threats and the need to modernise ageing military infrastructures. The focus on unmanned systems, digitalisation, and AI underscores a recognition that future conflicts will be defined by speed, precision, and technological superiority.
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Dutch military to expand drone warfare across all forces The Dutch armed forces will significantly expand the use of unmanned weapons systems in the coming years.
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