THE HAGUE – In a significant move to bolster transatlantic defence and address critical munitions shortfalls, the United States has greenlit a feasibility study exploring the production of key American air defence systems in the Netherlands. The study, scheduled for the coming year, marks a strategic shift in how NATO allies are collaborating to strengthen collective security.
The investigation will focus on the potential for the Dutch defence industry to take on roles in the manufacturing, final assembly, maintenance, and sustainment of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). This initiative represents the first time the United States has engaged a European NATO partner in a co-production program for this specific advanced weapon system.
“The approval of this study is a powerful signal of the special strategic relationship between the Netherlands and the United States,” a senior Dutch defence official stated. “It’s about taking shared responsibility for our security and the defence of the Alliance.”
The AMRAAM is a cornerstone of modern aerial warfare. This “fire-and-forget” missile is capable of engaging a wide array of threats beyond visual range, including enemy fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles. It is a primary armament for the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters operated by the Netherlands and other nations, and is also deployed in ground-based launchers for area defence.
This push for international co-production is driven by two urgent needs. First, the high demand for munitions in support of Ukraine has stretched existing supply chains thin. Second, NATO members are actively replenishing their own stockpiles to meet heightened security concerns.
“Scaling up production is not just an industrial goal; it is a strategic imperative,” the official added. “This partnership is a direct response to the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where air defence has proven to be decisive.”
The feasibility study will be led by Raytheon, the original American manufacturer of the AMRAAM. The company will work in close consultation with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Dutch industry partners to assess technical requirements, capacity, and timelines.
For the Netherlands, this initiative aligns perfectly with its national defence strategy, which emphasizes deepening international industrial cooperation and fostering innovation within its own technological base. By integrating Dutch companies into a complex, multinational supply chain, the country aims to enhance its strategic autonomy and contribute more robustly to NATO’s collective defence capabilities.
If the study yields positive results, the Netherlands could become a central hub for AMRAAM production and sustainment in Europe, ensuring faster delivery times for allies and solidifying its role as a key player in transatlantic security.
