As a network organisation, the NIDV positions Dutch companies that provide products and services in the realm of national and international security. We do so towards both Dutch and international end-users and OEM’s in order to become part of global supply chains. The NIDV fosters the involvement of its participants with the design, development, production and maintenance of defence systems.

The Dutch defence industry: versatile, innovative and involved throughout the life cycle

The Dutch defence industry consists of a broad field of innovative companies and knowledge institutions that are active in all phases of the life cycle of defence equipment and security solutions – from basic research and development to production, maintenance and support.

It is a diverse group of high-tech developers, ICT specialists, shipbuilders, manufacturing companies, medical suppliers, packaging and logistics experts, and producers of drones and sensors. These companies – ranging from start-ups and SMEs to large industrial players – supply components, technologies and services to all branches of the armed forces (land, air, sea and cyber & IT).

Many technologies originate from the civilian market, but are dual-use and can be used in military applications. The Netherlands excels in fields such as radar and sensors, maritime systems, optomechatronics, precision mechanics, optical systems, aerospace, drones, cyber, ICT and simulation.

Although the Netherlands has few original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), industry plays a crucial role in supplying high-quality components and systems, and in maintaining and developing them during the in-service phase. Thanks to a strong R&D orientation and cooperation between industry and knowledge institutions, the Dutch defence and security sector is an indispensable link in ensuring technological autonomy and operational readiness.

Activities

The NIDV undertakes a variety of initiatives in order to optimally position the Dutch defence related industrial basis. This often means cooperating with the government (for example, with the Ministry of Defence), both in the Netherlands and internationally. In this manner we organise platform-specific meetings, matchmaking sessions, thematic regional days, masterclasses, exhibitions and trade missions.

On a yearly basis, we organise the NIDV Exhibition Defence & Security (NEDS). At this event we strive to create a meeting space for national and international defence industry actors in Rotterdam, creating a full day to meet and interact with each other.