Netherlands unveils drone testing zone over the North Sea

The Netherlands is creating a new drone testing base in the North Sea, the first area in the country where drones can fly beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS). This will enable long-distance and autonomous drone flights, accelerating the development of drone technology for both military and civilian applications. The goal is to reduce the Netherlands' dependence on other countries and position it as a global leader in the drone industry, taking advantage of the crucial role drones are playing in modern warfare, as seen in the war in Ukraine.

The project is the result of the cooperation between the province of Zuid-Holland, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the Ministry of Defense. The three partners officially signed the agreement at Unmanned Valley, the drone test center at the former naval airfield of Valkenburg. This collaboration marks a significant step in Dutch drone and aviation innovation. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has designated the airspace above the North Sea, between Katwijk and the port of Rotterdam, as the preferred area for BVLOS flights. The province of Zuid-Holland is leading the airspace modification procedure needed to make this area operational.

The primary goal is to make the drone testing area operational for BVLOS flights as soon as possible. The first test flights are expected to take place by the end of 2026. According to State Secretary Gijs Tuinman of Defense, the aim is for the test area above the North Sea to boost the Dutch drone industry. The test area will not only be used by the military but also by other parties for tasks such as inspecting offshore wind turbines, securing hard-to-reach locations, and transporting critical parts to ships offshore.

Strategic importance of drones

State Secretary Tuinman emphasized the importance of drone technology. "Drones have fundamentally changed the battlefield. In Ukraine, we see daily how crucial this technology is for our security. With this test area, we are investing in that digital clout and accelerating the development of drones and anti-drone systems. This will make our armed forces stronger, our society safer, and contribute directly to Ukraine's freedom." Furthermore, the test area also aligns with the goal of preparing the Netherlands for potential drone threats.

The envisioned setup includes a designated 'airspace tunnel' extending from the former defense airfield Valkenburg in Katwijk to the test area above the North Sea. While the flight path will traverse coastal areas, State Secretary Tuinman assures the public that beachgoers need not worry, as the test area commences over the sea. This zone is intended to be free of other air traffic to ensure the safety and integrity of drone testing operations.