Drone units for every combat unit: the Netherlands to recruit up to 1,200 personnel

The Dutch military intends to recruit up to 1,200 personnel from April, NLTimes reports. They are to staff newly established drone units and counter-drone units. According to General Onno Eichelsheim, Commander of the Netherlands Armed Forces, these units will be integrated into all combat units.

First NATO country with drone units across the entire army

The initiative gives all of the army's combat units drone capabilities, initiating a structural change. The Netherlands is thus the first NATO country to pursue such a comprehensive approach to integrating drone and counter-drone units.

Commandant der Strijdkrachten Onno Eichelsheim: ‚Vanaf 1 april introduceert Nederland als eerste NAVO-land nieuwe drone-eenheden‘ #WNLhttps://t.co/YjfuCDdNvF

Close cooperation with the drone industry is essential for success, Eichelsheim stressed. Technology must be continuously updated and adapted. The step reflects the lessons learned from recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.