Defensie Cluster - FHI, Federatie van technologiebranches

Defense Cluster

Technology plays an increasingly important role in the security and resilience of the Netherlands. To be prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow, Defence invests in innovative solutions and collaborates intensively with the Dutch business community and industry associations such as FHI. The need for technological innovation and collaboration is growing. Defence is actively seeking partners who contribute to a future-proof armed forces with knowledge, products, and technology.

Within the Defence Cluster, FHI brings together companies that support these developments. Many FHI members are innovative SMEs with specialist knowledge and technology. The participants in this cluster are active in industrial electronics, industrial automation, building automation, and laboratory technology. They develop technology, supply products and services, or provide automation and production for suppliers to Defence and, in some cases, directly for Defence.

Through the defence cluster, we help our members respond to developments within the defence landscape and together contribute to an innovative and future-proof defence sector.

Kick-off FHI Defence Cluster: technology companies position themselves for structural cooperation with Defence

With the kick-off of the FHI Defence Cluster, FHI has taken a clear step towards structural cooperation between technology companies and Defence. During the meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Leusden, members from the Industrial Electronics, Industrial Automation, Building Automation, and Laboratory Technology sectors came together to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and explore where FHI members can jointly contribute to technological solutions for Defence.

The context is clear. Technology plays an increasingly important role within Defence, with themes such as digitalization, sensor technology, cybersecurity, and advanced production systems. At the same time, the need for collaboration with the Dutch business community is growing to organize innovation faster and more effectively. This offers opportunities for technology companies, but collaborating with Defence also requires insight into the landscape of processes, expectations, and preconditions. Based on this need, FHI is launching the Defence Cluster and bringing members and relevant parties together.

Doing business with Defence

Defense & Technology

						Defence is investing approximately 4 billion euros in innovation and technology over the coming years. With this, Defence is fully committed to renewal, collaboration with the business community, and strengthening technological capabilities. This offers ample opportunities for technology companies. FHI connects its members with Defence (and its suppliers) and with relevant initiatives, so that innovations find their way into practice more quickly.
					