Airbus Helicopters begins production of Netherlands' special operations Caracal helicopters
Airbus Helicopters has started production of Caracal transport helicopters customised for Dutch special operations forces. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence says the aircraft will be equipped for a range of flight conditions and will operate in cooperation with NATO and other international partners.
Lockheed Martin wins $9.4 million contract to upgrade F-35 assembly stations at Italy's Cameri facility
Lockheed Martin will upgrade assembly stations at the F-35 final assembly facility in Cameri, Italy, under a $9.4 million contract modification. The Cameri plant is Europe's only F-35 production site and builds jets for Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.
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Netherlands and France hold first Nuclear Steering Group meeting on deterrence cooperation
The Netherlands and France held the first meeting of a new bilateral Nuclear Steering Group on October 14, opening talks on integrating French nuclear forces and European conventional forces for deterrence. The Dutch Ministry of Defence announced the meeting on October 15, emphasising that the cooperation will complement NATO's existing nuclear arrangements.
Why it matters: The Netherlands is the first non-nuclear NATO member to formalise a bilateral nuclear consultation mechanism with France. If this becomes a template for other European states hedging against U.S. extended deterrence, it rewrites the Continent's nuclear architecture without treaty revision or public debate.
Oshkosh begins building first Dutch Kaaiman expeditionary patrol vehicle for marines
Oshkosh Defense has started building the first prototype of the Dutch Expeditionary Patrol Vehicle, a version of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle designated Kaaiman, for the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. The Netherlands ordered 150 vehicles in June 2025. No delivery date for the prototype was given.
Ukrainian F-16 formerly operated by Netherlands flew over Poland en route to Belgium
A Ukrainian F-16 fighter, formerly part of the Royal Netherlands Air Force fleet, transited Polish airspace on Monday, flying over Tomaszów Lubelski, Wrocław and Legnica before crossing into Germany and heading toward Belgium, Defence24 reports.