The Ministry of Defense wants to rely more on its own capabilities and build greater confidence. To this end, the NIDT will be working closely with the private sector, research institutions and partners. New technologies are usually developed by research institutions, not by government bodies. The aim is for this combination of knowledge, technology and market power to generate export value for the Dutch economy within a few years.
The NIDT will act as a bridge between the Ministry of Defense and the market. This should lead to faster, more flexible and greater domestic innovation, production and upscaling.
The NIDT is working with the private sector and research institutions to find solutions for modern warfare that do not yet exist. The Ministry of Defense’s requirements are the guiding principle in this regard. These new technologies are then tested in the armed forces’ operational environment, ensuring they are immediately deployable. In this way, the Netherlands is building the armed forces of the future, capable of addressing the threats of today and tomorrow.
First challenge: continuous monitoring of the North Sea
The partners are already facing their first challenge: 24/7 protection for the North Sea. The safety of the waters off the Dutch coast must be guaranteed at all times. The market is calling for solutions: from sensor and surveillance systems to autonomous patrol capabilities. This issue immediately puts the collaboration between start-ups, established companies, research institutions and defense experts on the map.
The NIDT will initially operate as an independent company within TNO Affiliates BV. A different organisational structure is being considered for the long term.
