Unmanned systems: the Netherlands calls on industry to join APOS drone offensive

Using unmanned systems far more: with this aim, the Dutch Ministry of Defence has officially called on industry to cooperate. The framework is the “Actieplan Productiezekerheid Onbemenste Systemen” (APOS), under which national companies, above all start-ups, are to develop new drone concepts and improve existing systems.

The goal is to secure drone production and adaptability in the Netherlands while becoming less dependent on foreign suppliers.

The war in Ukraine shows how important the project is: unmanned systems have become indispensable there for reconnaissance, target acquisition and combat support. The Hague therefore wants more of their development and manufacture at home.

Call for unmanned systems open until 29 October

The call for proposals runs until 29 October; companies can take part alone or together with partners. Under APOS, all service branches jointly search for the best unmanned systems for their respective operational requirements and developing them further. At the same time, the domestic market is to be strengthened so that more components and subsystems are made in the country.

Another core element of the programme is the establishment of a national drone test area in the province of Zuid-Holland. Flights beyond the pilot's line of sight are also to be possible there – a decisive step for realistic trials of military drone technologies.

Most recently, Prime Minister Dick Schoof stressed that the Netherlands aims to play a leading role in unmanned systems within the EU. The APOS programme, close cooperation with Ukraine and experience from recent NATO initiatives provide a solid basis for this.