The Netherlands wants to establish defense companies in the former car factory Born

In the enormous production facility, several companies have to come, including for the production of military drones and vehicles. Defense takes part of the costs such as the rent. “This will be a flagship of the renewed cooperation between defense and companies,” said the ministry.

“This collaboration makes it possible to realize extra military production capacity in the Netherlands. For example, we become less dependent on countries outside Europe. Investing in our European and national defense industry is crucial,” said Dutch Minister Ruben Brekelmans (Defense).

VDL Nedcar has made minis for car manufacturer BMW in recent years. At the beginning of last year, the last car rolled out of the factory. Due to the closure, more than four thousand people lost their jobs. Since 1967 cars have been produced in Born.

According to a spokesperson for the company, how many employees VDL needs for the new production. “If necessary, we recruit,” he says.

In Europe, much more is spent on Defense since Russia’s attack three years ago on neighboring Ukraine. The war made it clear that the arms industry in Europe is too small and the dependence on producers elsewhere too great.

Due to the arrival of Donald Trump as president of the United States, the urgency to strengthen the European defense industry has grown further. Trump wants Europe to become responsible for its safety. He threatens NATO countries that do not spend insufficient spends on Defense in need.

The European Commission recently announced that it wanted to free up 800 billion euros for strengthening the defense for the next four years.