Netherlands to Build Own Satellites for Intelligence Gathering

The Dutch defense ministry will create its own satellite capability in an effort to cut its dependence on foreign intelligence networks.

This was announced on Monday by State Secretary Gijs Tuinman at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London.

So far, the Dutch military has depended on satellites provided by other nations and commercial firms. Having its own system, the ministry can then deploy satellites independently for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

"Satellites are the eyes and ears of the armed forces," said Tuinman. "Investing in this capability makes the Netherlands less dependent on others and enhances both our own security and that of Europe."

The new satellites will be dedicated to monitoring troop activity, observing sensitive infrastructure, and aiding global missions. They will be operational sometime in 2028, simultaneously with the launch of PAMI, a Dutch optical satellite that is in development.

The development is made as satellites increasingly feature in current conflicts. The Dutch military have depended on space-based technologies in operations in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan, and the Middle East. Commercial radar satellites like ICEYE are already deployed, but the ministry wants to have sovereign control over its most sensitive intelligence.

The move comes after Tuinman in March called for industry and academic partners to come on board to fund a national space program. Industry and research institutions followed up with a collective proposal which has now been sanctioned. The new system will be operated by the Defense Space Security Center autonomously.