From boots to bytes: a strategic shift in the Dutch military

Keeping pace

The ongoing war in Ukraine and broader European instability underscore the critical role of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and real-time data analytics in modern warfare, Tuinman highlights in the document. To keep pace, the Netherlands must embrace a thorough digital overhaul of its armed forces.

The Digital Transformation Strategy, or DTS, is built around five focus areas. First, it prioritizes secure, integrated communication and collaboration across all military domains: land, sea, air, cyber, and space. Second, it focuses on building a reliable digital infrastructure, including robust storage and compute power, to support innovation and operational readiness. Third, it commits to the use of artificial intelligence and data integration to support smarter decision-making. Fourth, it emphasizes disruption of enemy capabilities in the digital sphere through improved cyber defense, electronic warfare, and backup systems. Finally, it promotes digital agility, enabling rapid adaptation of technology to changing mission demands.

The strategy also highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity. This includes quantum-resistant cryptography, a zero-trust model for networks, and endpoint protection systems that can function in contested environments. The Dutch military will also invest in training and recruiting IT and data specialists, particularly those who can operate under deployment conditions. A cultural shift is planned to embed digital thinking across all ranks.

The role of AI

The DTS is aligned with the broader Dutch Digitalisation Strategy, which is expected to be presented to parliament soon. The two strategies share common ground in areas such as cloud technology, data sharing, the use of AI, strengthening digital resilience and autonomy, and enhancing digital skills across the public sector. However, their focus differs: while the DTS aims to increase military combat effectiveness, the NDS is geared toward supporting major societal challenges in a rapidly changing environment.

Artificial intelligence plays a central role in this transformation. In an interview with BNR, Tuinman describes data and AI as the "oxygen" of a modern military, underlining their importance across all levels of operation. AI will be used not only for analysis and logistics, but also in autonomous systems such as drones, undersea vehicles, and surveillance networks, he said.

The Netherlands is by no means lagging behind in this field, Tuinman says. The Dutch armed forces have already made significant investments over the past years, building their own infrastructure and operating dedicated datacenters. What is still needed, he notes, is more talent, improved algorithms, and stronger collaboration with the civilian tech sector.

In addition, concrete steps are being taken to advance AI and cloud capabilities. The Ministry of Defense is contributing substantially to the national reserve fund of 70 million euros for the establishment of an AI factory in Groningen. This facility will focus on the development and research of AI models and applications, including those with military relevance. In parallel, the ministry is working closely with Dutch market players on the creation of a sovereign cloud service. Additional progress is being made within the GrIT program, which is geared toward enhancing core operational tasks through secure and scalable IT infrastructure.