Permanent Drone Test Area Above the North Sea in Sight

This is the first test area. To get this off the ground, Tuinman signed a cooperation agreement. This took place at the drone test center Unmanned Valley at the former naval airbase Valkenburg. Minister Robert Tieman of Infrastructure and Water Management and deputy Meindert Stolk of South Holland also signed.

The special airspace will be located off the coast between Katwijk and the Port of Rotterdam. From Unmanned Valley, the drones will take off and land. The area will be set up for so-called BVLOS flights (Beyond Visual Line of Sight). This means that drones can fly out of the pilots sight.

With BVLOS, drones can cover longer distances and perform tasks that are often too dangerous, time-consuming, or expensive. This technology will make society safer, more sustainable, and more efficient.

Tuinman emphasized the importance of unmanned systems for the armed forces, but also for Ukraine.

“Drones have become crucial for our safety. But even more important is their significance for the Ukrainian soldiers. They are currently fighting from muddy trenches and under anti-drone nets for our freedom. They may receive that new and better drone just a few hours earlier. And every extra step here literally makes the difference between life and death there.”

Defence not only contributes knowledge but also invests a one-time €100,000 in the test area.

South Holland has a strong aerospace sector, with many companies and knowledge institutions working on innovative technology. Therefore, this province has been designated as the ideal place for this project. Various organizations, such as MovingDot, AirHub, To70, and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), are assisting in its development.

According to deputy Stolk, this project brings together economy, innovation, and defense. “It strengthens our position as a leader in aviation technology and offers new opportunities for employment and knowledge development.”

The first test flights are expected to start in late 2026. The experiences gained will form the basis for national regulations for BVLOS flights. This will make the Netherlands one of the frontrunners in Europe in the field of drones.