Dutch Ministry of Defence invests €35 million in national security via national research council

The Dutch Ministry of Defence and the Dutch Research Council (NWO) have launched a new strategic partnership to fund research that bridges the gap between science and innovation to make the country more resilient.

The new partnership, announced on 08/06/2026, aims to help the Netherlands and Europe face current threats, such as conflicts and foreign interference that threaten security, the economy, infrastructure and values.

To stimulate knowledge development and utilisation with and through civilian research organisations, the ministry is investing €35 million in research into a wide range of topics (including smart materials, space technology, advanced sensors and quantum technology). It is also investing in "resilience, strategic policy-supporting research and in intelligent systems capable of performing tasks more quickly and accurately".

"The Netherlands and Europe must become resilient. To enhance our national security, educational and knowledge institutions and the Ministry of Defence must collaborate more closely", the coalition government stated.

NWO highlighted that…