Cabinet Agreement: More Space for Defence

The organization is being expanded because the armed forces must be able to defend their own and allied territory.

More space is essential for modern and new equipment, additional grounds, weapons, and extra personnel. It is also necessary for training and education. 

In 2023, Defence started the National Program Space for Defence (NPRD). This program sought physical and environmental space within the Netherlands for 57 needs. A careful and transparent process was followed to meet these needs. Independent studies were conducted on environmental effects (planMER). Furthermore, discussions were held with various parties and meetings were organized for residents. They could submit their views. According to State Secretary Gijs Tuinman, it was possible to determine most locations in a relatively short time. “This despite the scarcity of space in the Netherlands. This was only possible thanks to cooperation and the urgency felt together with other governments.”

Additional research was conducted recently for 9 needs. These have now been established as draft preferred alternatives by the cabinet. They will be available for inspection in the first quarter of 2026. Information meetings will also be held then, and stakeholders can engage in discussions with Defence. 

The Netherlands is a relatively densely populated country. This means that military personnel often train in built-up areas. This increases the armed forces readiness and the resilience of our society. However, it also leads to effects that residents in the immediate living environment will notice. Therefore, close cooperation with municipalities, provinces, and other parties will continue in the next phases. 

At this moment, the location for fulfilling a need has been determined. But Defence is not done yet. Now Defence is starting preparations for the realization of all the different needs (projects). Defence aims to realize these between now and 2040.