nuNov 9, 2026, 15:04

Dutch company to produce Israeli weapons

Dutch company AIA has reached an agreement with Israel's IWI to produce the Arad 5 infantry rifle and Negev UX machine gun in the Netherlands. Production will start in Tilburg before moving to a larger facility in Overijssel, a move the company claims is vital for European national security despite current geopolitical sensitivities.

The Dutch company AIA has secured the rights to manufacture two types of Israeli-designed firearms, the Arad 5 infantry rifle and the Negev UX machine gun. This agreement involves acquiring the technical data and knowledge from the Israeli company IWI to facilitate domestic production. Operations will initially commence in Tilburg before transitioning to a larger facility purchased by the firm in Overijssel. This development marks a return to firearm manufacturing in the Netherlands, a sector that has been dormant for many years despite growth in other areas of the local weapons industry.

AIA director Gerard Zondervan justified the partnership by emphasizing the need for Europe to increase its sovereign defense production capabilities. He stated that manufacturing armaments on domestic soil is crucial for bolstering national security. The deal arrives at a politically sensitive time due to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, drawing attention to the collaboration between the Dutch firm and its Israeli partner.

Economy Business Netherlands World

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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