Production of military equipment starts at VDL in Born
Production for the Ministry of Defence at VDL in Born has officially commenced. This involves the production of unmanned vehicles by Milrem Robotics, batteries for military use by Tulip Tech and drones by DeltaQuad. Minister Ruben Brekelmans signed the contracts with the three companies. The equipment and resources produced at VDL will strengthen not only the Dutch armed forces, but also those of Ukraine.
Normally, it takes years to get defence production up and running. At VDL, this process will be much faster. The first production lines will be operational within a few months. The Ministry of Defence is leasing 120,000 m² of production halls and facilities at the location in the south of Limburg. Because many facilities and permits are already in place, production can start quickly.
The collaboration with VDL is structural and will last for at least 10 years. More production lines will follow in the coming months. With this project, the Ministry of Defence, companies and regional partners are working together to strengthen the security of the Netherlands and Europe.
According to Minister Brekelmans, it is necessary to invest now. ‘In order to continue to support Ukraine and deter Russia, it is necessary to scale up defence production quickly. This involves innovation and industrialisation, speed and scale. With VDL and other modern companies, we can achieve this as the Ministry of Defence. VDL is the new flagship of the Dutch defence industry and is now in full swing.’
Willem van der Leegte, President and CEO of VDL Groep: “At VDL Nedcar in Born, we have proven that we can combine large-scale production with technical precision and scale up complex processes. We are now applying that experience to the needs of, among others, the Ministry of Defence. If the need matches our competencies – or those of our partners – then we are ready. With craftsmanship and sufficient space and availability of power, we are helping to scale up a strong and innovative defence industry here in Limburg."
Faster and stronger action
The new production means greater independence from other countries and more strategic autonomy for the Netherlands. For Ukraine, it is crucial to persevere the fight against Russian aggression. With modern vehicles, batteries and drones, the armed forces can act faster and stronger.
The start in Born is therefore good news for Limburg, the Netherlands, Ukraine and Europe. It creates jobs, strengthens the defence industry and increases resilience.