The Netherlands has taken a formal step toward joining a European defense procurement organization as a bill seeking accession was submitted to parliament.
The legislative proposal, sent 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, or the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement.
The move still requires parliamentary approval before accession can proceed, which the Ministry of Defence said could happen later in 2026.
OCCAR currently includes Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK and manages joint procurement programs across Europe. It operates independently from both the EU and NATO, focusing instead on coordinating multinational defense development and acquisition projects. If approved, the Netherlands would gain access to OCCAR’s framework for managing complex procurement programs.
Yeşilgöz – Zegerius said closer cooperation is needed to ensure European forces use compatible equipment, pointing to shared procurement as a way to improve coordination during operations and exercises.
“It is more cost – effective for maintenance and the purchase of spare parts, and it opens doors for Dutch companies that would otherwise remain closed,” she said.
OCCAR Program
OCCAR’s existing portfolio illustrates the type of multinational procurement programs the Netherlands is preparing to fully join.
In May, the OCCAR – managed European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System completed its mission definition review, establishing a common set of operational requirements for the program.
In February, OCCAR signed a contract formalizing funding and management for a program focused on countering evolving electromagnetic threats through airborne electronic warfare capabilities adaptable to multiple aircraft types.
The same month, the organization also extended a support contract for NATO’s A400M aircraft program, ensuring participating nations continue receiving airframe and engine electronic material support services under a five – year agreement.
- The Defense Post