The Wodg contributes to the accelerated strengthening of our armed forces. This is in the interest of the safety of the Netherlands and our allies. With the law, it is for example possible to realistically practice with drones over military areas. Because the sensors of drones may unintentionally register persons or vehicles outside the military area, they are often not used.

Gray Zone

The Netherlands has legislation for Defence for times of peace and war. In the current gray zone, the twilight area between peace and war, Defence must increase military readiness in a short time. This requires expanding capabilities, more practice and training, and more movements of equipment. The Wodg enables Defence to carry out these necessary activities. For more extensive exemptions and dispensations, specific approval from the involved ministers and the House of Representatives is needed. This is aimed at being able to credibly deter opponents and prevent more war in Europe.

Realistic Practice

With the new law, the regulatory burden for Defence is reduced. This allows soldiers, for example, to practice at existing shooting ranges and army bases with different types of weapons and calibers. Under current permits, this is not always possible. The same applies to learning to shoot in the dark with night vision equipment. Additionally, the war in Ukraine shows that trenches are also part of modern conflicts. With the current bill, Defence can more quickly construct trenches on its own grounds. These are just a few examples that illustrate that Defence will be better able to practice for realistic scenarios with the bill. For soldiers, this makes a difference on the battlefield.

After the internet consultation, the responses will be taken into account in the final design of the law. This will then be established in the Council of Ministers. Subsequently, advice will be requested from the Council of State. And parliamentary treatment of the final bill will follow.