Defense and VDL take concrete steps to scale up production in the defense industry

In light of our safety, it is necessary to rapidly strengthen the armed forces. To do this, it is crucial to invest in the European and Dutch defence industries. To scale up and strengthen national production capacity, Defence will now rent several halls from VDL Groep in Born. Minister Brekelmans and CEO Willem van der Leegte will sign the lease agreement today.

Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans praises the important collaboration between the armed forces and VDL: “Today, we take a significant step to strengthen our defence industry. I am pleased that Defence and VDL are increasingly turning their collaboration into concrete actions. VDL has the experience and resources to establish production lines. In this way, we not only safeguard the security of the Netherlands and our allies, but we also boost our economy and create more jobs. A perfect example of a win-win situation.”

Chief Executive Officer Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep: “This is an important first step. The Dutch government is calling on VDL Groep to deploy our competencies to scale up the Dutch defence industry. Given the geopolitical situation, we see the urgency to take our responsibility. That is why we are committed to fulfilling the needs of the Dutch government. So, what exactly will we be doing in Born? We support the needs of the government.”

Immediately, 27,500 square meters of production space will be available. The remaining halls require some adjustments in order to be able to produce in the near future. By the end of this year, Defence in Born will have approximately 120,000 square meters at its disposal. Scaling up the defence industry has priority, and therefore we need to take swift action. This is necessary to keep the Netherlands and our allies safe.

At the site in Born, Defence will be able to directly manage projects as the custodian, for resources for which we have had little to no production capacity so far. Currently, considerations are being made to increase the production of Dutch defence equipment. For example, producing military drones and maintaining and modernising defence vehicles.

Dutch companies will soon be able to make use of the halls. This allows the space to be used extensively. Defence also supports the Dutch economy and technological innovation capacity.

Defense and VDL announced in March their intention to join forces to increase military production. Today, a concrete next step is being taken. In the coming months, further announcements will follow regarding specific projects and production.