Politicians are serious about ensuring peace and security. This is evident from the Defence White Paper 2022, which the NIDV welcomes. The NATO standard of 2% GNP will be met, allowing the Ministry of Defence and its partners to fulfil their constitutional tasks: not a goal in itself, but a financial minimum for peace and security. Thus, security professionals not only get the money but also the means to do their job. More than ever, the Ministry of Defence seeks cooperation with the industry, society, and Europe. The defence and security sector with its companies and knowledge institutions is ready to take up the gauntlet. The challenges are great, but the government is not alone. (Photo credits: Defensie.nl)

The directors of several sister associations of the NIDV, National Defence Industry Associations (NDIAs) share a monthly discussion on current events. Eurosatory is a great opportunity to break the online pattern. Please meet the NDIA directors of: Austria; Finland; Sweden; Denmark; Norway; Latvia; Belgium; Greece; Portugal; and Ireland.

With the passing of John Jansen, we lose a family man, a defence expert and a fine colleague. His activities since the 1980s have been characterised by equipment cooperation. Especially in the office of the Dutch National Armaments Director, his international attitude came into its own. Through his two placements in Brussels, his international orientation was formed. He helped shape the current NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA). He also had a special significance in the establishment of the Western European Armaments Group and the European Defence Agency (EDA).

This year’s NEDS is back and bigger than ever. There is a lot of enthusiasm from our exhibitors, visitors and NIDV staff. Registration for our visitors will open in September and we hope to see you in Rotterdam on 17 November 2022. Thales Netherlands is acting as sponsor.

On Tuesday, March 22, NIDV attendees received a briefing from the U.S. armed forces on its “Foreign Comparative Testing” program, and its benefits to interested companies.

The European Defence Challenge is an open competition to attract young talent to the Defence industry and to encourage them to initiate a career in defence-related technologies.

The NIDV congratulates the new Minister of Defense Kajsa Ollongren and State Secretary of Defense Christophe van der Maat on their swearing in by H.M. the King. “We look forward to working with the new cabinet to further strengthen the Dutch defense and security sector and contribute to our collective security,” said Ron Nulkes, NIDV Director.

“We are ready to go.” That is the message from Commander of the Armed Forces General Onno Eichelsheim to the participants of the Invictus Games. In a video clip, he marks the start of the countdown to April 16, 2022. On January 6, it was only 100 days until the postponed Invictus Games 2020 begin in The Hague. The sports program has now been announced.