The VDL Nedcar plant in Limburg, previously known for producing BMW Mini cars, is set to transition into a production hub for military drones and vehicles, as announced by Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans in a recent broadcast on NPO 2. This collaboration between the Ministry of Defense and the VDL Group aims to address increasing defense needs in the Netherlands while also revitalizing the economy in the region.
According to Brekelmans, the agreement reached on March 21, 2025, marks a significant step towards enhancing the country's military capabilities. “Today we announced the cooperation with VDL. This is a major leap,” he declared, emphasizing the urgency of scaling up production for military drones and vehicles amid evolving international challenges.
The outgoing car plant in Born, which halted BMW Mini production in early 2024, resulted in the loss of over 4,000 jobs for the local workforce. Since 1967, the factory has been a significant site for automobile manufacturing in the Netherlands, making its shift to defense production a pivotal moment for both the local economy and the country's military strategy.
“We see that there are many cutting-edge drone manufacturers in the Netherlands, but they are all entrepreneurs who can manufacture only hundreds of drones per year, while we require thousands or tens of thousands,” Brekelmans stated, underlining VDL’s capability to meet this demand. The defense sector in the Netherlands requires further innovation and efficiency, which this collaboration aims to foster.
VDL’s CEO, Willem van der Leegte, expressed support for the initiative, stating that the company is ready to enhance its capabilities to meet the defense industry's needs. “We are grateful that the fantastic family company VDL is willing to respond to our call. I am pleased that the Defense is entering into this collaboration,” Brekelmans remarked.
The initiative is not only about drones; the production facility will also potentially include combat vehicles and other types of weapon systems. The minister indicated that VDL is engaging with numerous companies, both nationally and internationally, to explore the establishment of these production lines. “It's unique to have such a large facility available for Defense in such a short time,” he added, referring to VDL's significant manufacturing infrastructure.
At the same time, Defense Secretary Gijs Tuinman is expected to unveil plans on March 24, 2025, to increase the number of Dutch defense personnel to 200,000, highlighting a significant shift in the country’s military policy. Brekelmans reassured the public that there are no current plans to reinstate conscription, noting the existing interest in defense jobs is substantial, thus minimizing the need for mandatory service. “What we especially need are many reservists,” he remarked.
The collaboration between VDL and the Ministry of Defense seeks not only to bolster military capacity but also to stimulate economic growth and job creation in Limburg. Brekelmans claimed, “It’s a win-win situation in every respect. A win for Defense, a win for VDL, a win for our security, and a win for our economy.” This fosters a climate of innovation that the local and national economies can benefit from in the long run.
These developments are also echoed in the recent statements made by Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius, chair of the ruling party. In her discussion on foreign policy on March 17, 2025, she emphasized the importance of investing in national security and the defense industry. This coupled with VDL’s expertise in high-quality production sets a solid groundwork for the future of defense manufacturing in the Netherlands.
As regional economies look to adapt to the shifting demands of the global landscape, collaborations such as the one between VDL and the Ministry of Defense may serve as a template for future efforts in military readiness and industrial cooperation. With the dual focus on security and economic revitalization, the initiative holds promise not just for the armed forces, but also for local job markets impacted by previous closures.
The urgency behind these announcements reflects broader trends in Europe where the context of defense production is evolving rapidly, driven by geopolitical tensions and technological innovations. The Netherlands, through partnerships like that with VDL, illustrates a proactive approach to addressing these challenges head-on, ensuring both military personnel and the associated workforce are adequately prepared for the future.
