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Introduction to the defence industry

In six days of lectures, a total overview and a network in the entire defence sector

This specialisation course is in collaboration with the Royal Institute of Engineers of the Defence & Security Department and the defence umbrella organisation Eurodefense Netherlands.

Pension funds, insurers and other institutional investors are increasingly being asked to invest in defence, given international developments. It is necessary that there is general knowledge about this sector, which is simply different from all other sectors in which investments are made. With this six-day lecture series, we can quickly familiarize you with the special aspects of the defence sector.

The topics range from highly advanced technology, the design and role of the various organizations and political control to the procurement of equipment, innovation and logistical aspects. Defence in relation to industry, Europe and the world is also discussed. All lectures are given by military and civilian officials, who are involved in the various topics on a daily basis.

Costs: € 500, excluding VAT for six lecture days and catering.

Date

PLEASE NOTE: This course is fully booked.

Every day starts at 9 or 10 a.m. and ends at 5 a.m. at the latest. Details will follow in September 2025

Day 1. What is Defence? 02 October 2025

Geopolitics, engineering and evolution of warfare, defence policy, budget and export policy Programme is provided by Eurodefense, the Netherlands Defence Academy and the Ministry of Defence Location: The Hague

Day 2. Defence in practice Monday 6 October 2026

Political decision-making, industrial strategy, security, European and NATO material co-operation. Speakers from the Ministries of Defense and Economic Affairs, among others

Location: The Hague

Day 3. Defence R&D and the role of the knowledge institutes Wednesday 29 October 2025

Science and Technology Policy, TNO, Netherlands Aerospace Centre and the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN)

Day 4. Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) Tuesday 2 December 2025

Innovation, acquisition, large projects, life cycle support

Programme provided by the Defence Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) Location: Kromhout Kazerne, Utrecht

Day 5. Defence Industry Thursday, 15 January 2026

Industry perspective by the Dutch Industry for Defence and Security Foundation and various defence companies. Location: The Hague

Day 6. Managing risks Thursday 29 January 2026

Lectures by A&O Shearman. Location: Amsterdam

Location

Locations are:

The Royal Institute of Engineers in The Hague

The Defence Security Inspectorate in The Hague

The Kromhout barracks in Utrecht

A&O Shearman in Amsterdam