Defence will publish the tenders for these services this summer.

Participants will collaborate in a so-called Logistics Ecosystem. The Commander of the Defence Support Command spoke about the necessity of the Logistics Ecosystem: “The armed forces have an enormous logistical need. We need logistical partners to meet this need. By smartly combining our own transport capacity and collaborating with civil logistics partners, we are always ready for the armed forces, even in the most challenging circumstances,” said Lieutenant General Jan-Willem Maas.

Interested parties can register for the tenders to support large military movements and supply troops. This involves the transport of food and drinking water. It also includes hazardous materials such as fuels, oils, lubricants, aviation fuels, aviation oils, and aircraft lubricants.

Additionally, weapons, ammunition, military equipment, gear, and spare parts need to be transported. Finally, this includes clothing, housing goods, cleaning agents, field fortification materials, and construction materials. Defence also needs partners for transshipment tasks, such as loading, lifting, and hoisting operations for the transport of the above-mentioned items.

The contracts will be concluded for 7 years. This ensures that Defence has guaranteed capacity in the lead-up to and during a war or crisis. Small interested companies can work as subcontractors for larger parties.

Based on threat analyses, the armed forces assess whether it is responsible to deploy transport companies in certain areas. For the last stretch to the front, the so-called ‘last tactical mile’, Defence itself provides transport.

A war in Europe is possible. NATO troops from abroad would then use the Netherlands as a transit country. This can be by road, rail, water, or air. Defence provides logistical support, but if necessary, also for reserve parts, ammunition, and fuel.