Netherlands and Ukraine Partner to Build Drones Together

The Netherlands and Ukraine are teaming up to build drones together, turning battlefield experience into cutting-edge technology that benefits both nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the historic agreement during his visit to the Netherlands on Thursday, where he also received an International Four Freedoms Award. The deal brings together Dutch manufacturing expertise and Ukrainian real-world drone experience in a partnership designed to strengthen both countries.

The VDL plant in Born, Limburg, will work alongside Ukrainian company Greentech Harvest to produce both attack and surveillance drones. The Dutch government has already committed €248 million to get production rolling.

Defence minister Dilan Yesilgöz explained why this matters beyond military needs. "Drones play a crucial role in modern warfare," she said, noting that the Netherlands has much to learn from how Ukraine has innovated drone technology during its conflict with Russia.

The partnership transforms the former Nedcar factory in Born into a hub for defense equipment production. What was once an automotive plant is becoming a center for next-generation military technology, bringing jobs and innovation to Limburg.

The Ripple Effect

This collaboration creates benefits that extend far beyond drone production. The Netherlands gains practical knowledge about modern defense technology that no textbook could teach, while Ukraine secures a reliable manufacturing partner and economic opportunity even during wartime.

Dutch defense chief Onno Eichelsheim announced that the Netherlands will become the first country to add specialized drone operators and counter-drone units to its combat brigades starting in April. The move shows how learning from current conflicts can make countries safer without waiting years for traditional military planning.

The partnership also strengthens European defense cooperation at a time when many nations are rethinking their security strategies. By working together, smaller nations can punch above their weight in developing military capabilities.

For Ukraine, the deal provides economic partnerships that extend beyond emergency aid, building long-term relationships that will matter long after current conflicts end. For the Netherlands, it means staying at the forefront of defense innovation while supporting a partner facing real threats.

The collaboration proves that even during difficult times, countries can find ways to build something positive together that makes both stronger.