The Netherlands has formally moved toward joining a major European defense procurement organization after the government submitted accession legislation to parliament.
The proposal, introduced to the Dutch House of Representatives by Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius and Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen, would make the Netherlands the seventh member of OCCAR — the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement.
Before membership can proceed, the legislation must receive parliamentary approval, a process the Ministry of Defence said could be completed later in 2026.
OCCAR currently consists of Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, overseeing multinational defense procurement and development projects across Europe. The organization operates independently of both the European Union and NATO, focusing specifically on collaborative armament programs.
If accepted, the Netherlands would gain access to OCCAR’s framework for managing large-scale and complex multinational procurement initiatives.
Yeşilgöz-Zegerius said stronger European defense cooperation is necessary to ensure allied forces operate compatible equipment, emphasizing that joint procurement improves coordination during military exercises and operations.
OCCAR Programs
OCCAR’s current portfolio highlights the types of collaborative defense projects the Netherlands is preparing to join.
In May, the OCCAR-managed European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System completed its mission definition review, establishing shared operational requirements for the multinational program.
Earlier in February, OCCAR signed a contract to oversee funding and management for a new airborne electronic warfare initiative designed to counter evolving electromagnetic threats across multiple aircraft platforms.
The organization also extended support arrangements for NATO’s A400M transport aircraft fleet under a five-year contract covering airframe and engine electronic material support services for participating nations.
