The Dutch Defence Ministry has chosen 56 locations across the Netherlands where it wants to expand military facilities or build new ones. This represents one of the biggest changes to Dutch military infrastructure in decades. The government is expected to make a final decision in December, and if approved, construction could start in 2026 and finish by 2040.
Lelystad Airport Will Become Fighter Jet Base
One of the most talked-about decisions is turning Lelystad Airport into a base for F-35 fighter jets. This plan has created disagreement in Flevoland province, where local officials say they'll only agree if regular passenger flights can continue alongside military use.
State Secretary Christophe van der Maat (also known as Gijs Tuinman) said this issue will now be decided by national politicians. "This programme is the Netherlands' Safety Delta Works; everything fits together," he explained. "Lelystad is the best location for expanding our fighter aircraft capacity, but we still have work to do there."
The military needs more space for the growing number of F-35 fighter jets beyond the existing bases at Volkel and Leeuwarden.
Eight Locations Need More Research
While most locations have been confirmed, eight sites still need additional studies before moving forward. Researchers will examine:
Harskamp military area: How helicopter operations might affect nearby communities
Woensdrecht Air Base: Whether noise from aircraft will be too disruptive for people living nearby
Gilze-Rijen Air Base: Similar noise and environmental concerns
Other sites where safety, environmental rules, or infrastructure needs require more investigation
These studies will help determine whether the military can use these locations and what can be done to reduce problems for local residents.
The expansion includes air bases, army barracks, naval facilities, and training areas. In some places, this means taking over homes or farmland and forcing businesses to relocate. This has made many people angry and worried.
Photo Credits: Ministry of Defence
Difficult Negotiations with Local People
Since May, Defence officials have held many meetings with city councils, provincial governments, and residents. These discussions have often been tense and difficult, with arguments about:
Noise from aircraft and training exercises
Environmental damage
Fair compensation for people losing their homes or businesses
Whether local communities have real input into decisions
The government says it will listen to concerns and give people opportunities to object to specific plans. However, many local communities don't trust that their voices will actually matter when national security is used to justify the expansion.
How the Process Will Work
Here's what happens next if the government approves the plan:
December 2025: The caretaker cabinet makes its official decision on all 56 locations
Early 2026: Parliament debates the plan and votes on whether to approve it
After approval: The Defence Ministry negotiates agreements with cities and provinces, which must then get permits for nature protection, construction, and environmental rules
Throughout the process: Local residents, businesses, and community groups can file formal complaints, which might lead to legal challenges
2026-2040: If everything is approved, construction happens gradually over 15 years
Why the Military Says This Is Necessary
The Defence Ministry says these expansions are essential because of:
Growing threats in Europe: Tensions have increased dramatically, especially since Russia invaded Ukraine. The military needs to be ready for possible conflicts.
NATO commitments: The Netherlands promised its NATO allies it would strengthen its military capabilities and infrastructure.
New equipment needs: Modern weapons like F-35 fighter jets, advanced drones, and helicopters require different facilities than older equipment. Training areas need updating too.
Officials describe the program as the "Safety Delta Works", comparing it to the massive project that protected the Netherlands from flooding after the 1953 disaster. Just as those flood barriers were essential for physical survival, this military expansion is presented as essential for national security.
The government says all 56 locations work together as one system. Taking any piece out would weaken the whole strategy. This "all-or-nothing" approach frustrates local officials who want to negotiate about specific sites in their areas.
This expansion will change the landscape and daily life in many Dutch communities. Some areas will see dramatic increases in military aircraft noise. Others will lose farmland or homes that have been in families for generations. Still others will need to adjust to having large military facilities as new neighbours. The December cabinet decision and subsequent parliamentary vote will determine not just whether this happens, but how much voice local communities have in shaping the details.
