The Netherlands will become the first NATO member to integrate drone and counter-drone units across all combat formations, marking a structural shift in how its military prepares for modern warfare, according to the country’s top military commander as cited by NL Times.
By integrating drone capabilities across all combat units, the Netherlands is positioning itself at the forefront of NATO’s adaptation to a battlefield increasingly defined by unmanned systems.
Recruiting up to 1,200 personnel from April
Commandant Onno Eichelsheim said the Dutch armed forces will begin recruiting between 1,000 and 1,200 personnel starting in April to staff the new units.
These capabilities will be embedded throughout the army rather than concentrated in specialized formations, reflecting the growing role of drones on the battlefield.
“It is a different interaction. We must continuously modernize and adapt systems,” Eichelsheim said, emphasizing that both drone deployment and defense against them have become central to military operations.
Lessons drawn directly from Ukraine and the Middle East
The decision is based on lessons from recent conflicts, particularly Russia’s war against Ukraine and fighting in the Middle East, where drones have reshaped combat dynamics. From reconnaissance to strike roles, and from electronic warfare to interception, unmanned systems are now a constant feature of frontline operations.
Eichelsheim also stressed the need for close cooperation with the private sector, noting that rapid technological change requires constant updates and innovation. The plan envisions ongoing collaboration with drone manufacturers to keep pace with evolving threats.
The move comes as NATO allies increase defense spending commitments following last year’s summit in The Hague. The Netherlands has pledged to significantly raise its military budget, with a long-term target of 5% of GDP, equivalent to nearly €50 billion.
Ukraine's war made drones unavoidable on the modern battlefield
Drones have become one of the defining features of Russia’s war against Ukraine, used at every level of the battlefield from frontline infantry units to deep strikes hundreds of kilometers behind the lines.
Both sides rely heavily on small first-person-view (FPV) drones for precision attacks on vehicles and personnel, while larger systems conduct reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and long-range strikes on infrastructure.
The widespread use of relatively cheap, rapidly produced drones has reshaped tactics, making traditional troop movements more exposed and forcing armies to constantly adapt with electronic warfare, camouflage, and counter-drone defenses.
