Defence
Twente is strengthening tomorrow’s safety. With high tech businesses, knowledge institutions and unique testing facilities, the region develops innovative defence and dual use technologies.
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Twente serves as a strategic hub
Twente is the strategic region for developing and applying innovative defence and security technologies. Its strong ecosystem of high tech businesses, leading knowledge institutions and unique facilities for pilot projects and testing delivers pioneering solutions for defence and security. We do this through close collaboration across regional borders, within the eastern Netherlands and with regions such as Brainport Eindhoven.
Here, companies such as Thales, Aeronamic, Destinus, Demcon and many other SMEs work with educational institutions including the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and ROC van Twente on intelligent and unmanned systems. They draw on strong expertise in sensors, robotics, AI, quantum technology, chip design and photonics. Sites for pilot projects, testing and training, such as Twente Airport, a former military airfield with a three kilometre runway, and Technology Base make it possible to develop, demonstrate and scale up new systems. Plots on the business park are ready for allocation, while former aircraft shelters provide space for innovative businesses.
Innovation & technology in Twente
wente stands out for innovations with both civilian and military applications. Key areas include:
- Unmanned systems, including cargo drones and UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems).
- Sensors and smart materials.
- Robotics and AI.
- Quantum technology, photonics and chip design.
- Radar, space technology and satellite communications.
The ecosystem offers unique testing and demonstration opportunities at Technology Base and Twente Airport, and encourages collaboration between businesses, knowledge institutions and public authorities.
The region actively connects with national and European programmes, ensuring that innovation contributes to strategic defence and security goals and strategic autonomy.
Examples include drones, radar and counterdrone systems, sensor technology for protecting infrastructure, and autonomous robotics for civilian and military missions. At the core is integrated air defence, with a strong focus on systems integration.
Defence & safety - news and stories form Twente
Jobs, education & careers
Twente gives talented professionals and students direct access to high tech defence projects. Placements, graduation assignments and traineeships are available at educational institutions, businesses and testing facilities.
University of Twente
Autonomous systems, robotics, sensor technology, AI, quantum technology and medical technology.
Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Engineering, aviation technology, AI and drone technology.
ROC van Twente
Engineering and manufacturing, mechatronics.
Employment opportunities
Companies such as Demcon, Thales, Aeronamic and Destinus, alongside local startups at Technology Base and Kennispark Twente, offer roles in engineering, R&D, manufacturing, testing, policy and strategy. Opportunities are also available at government bodies and security organisations in the region.
The proximity of Enschede, Hengelo and Almelo, combined with a strong network of partners, makes Twente an attractive place to build a career in defence innovation.
Collaboration, policy context & regional role
Twente serves as a strategic hub for collaboration between the public and private sectors in defence and security. Dual use technologies connect civilian applications with military innovations, strengthening public safety and creating economic opportunities.
Through collaboration with national and European partners, including Tech.Land, Twente participates in strategic defence and security programmes. This positions the region as a key partner for R&D, innovation and testing projects in the Netherlands and Europe.
Research & Facilitation
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Technology Base
Test- and demonstration facilities for drones, sensors and robotics
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Twente Airport
Test locations for unmanned systems and radar innovations
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Univeristy of Twente
Autonomous systems, robotics, sensor technology, AI, quantum
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Saxion
Engineering, Aviation technology, AI
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ROC van Twente
technology and production
Startups & Innovatie Ondersteuning
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Novel-T
Supporting startups & scale-ups
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Kennispark Twente
businesses and innovation campus
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OostNL
OostNL stimulates innovation and opportunities for organisations in East-Netherlands.
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Organisations
Demcon, Thales, Aeronamic, Destinus, Re-lion, Benchmark, Bluemark Innovations, HTM Aerotec, Machinefabriek Boessekool, VDL-ETG
Public & European partners
FAQ – Defence Twente
What does defence in Twente cover?
Defence in Twente includes drones, sensors, robotics, AI, quantum technology, chip design and photonics. Businesses and knowledge institutions work together on dual use applications with national and civilian impact. There are also connections with other fields, such as medical technology that supports the mental and physical resilience of the armed forces. Medisch Spectrum Twente (MST) is a hospital with links to defence, where surgical teams share their expertise.
Why is Twente a good place for defence technology?
Twente is home to the Netherlands’ largest defence company, Thales. The region combines high tech businesses, knowledge institutions, unique testing sites and European collaboration. This makes it possible to develop, test and scale up technologies.
What defence jobs are available in Twente?
Roles in engineering, R&D, manufacturing, testing, policy and strategy at businesses, knowledge institutions and government organisations.
Which courses are relevant?
Autonomous systems, mechatronics, electrical engineering, robotics, sensor technology, AI and aviation technology, through the University of Twente (UT), Saxion University of Applied Sciences and ROC van Twente.
What are unmanned aerial systems (drones)?
Aircraft without an onboard crew, used for defence, security and civilian applications. Twente is one of the places where these systems are developed and tested.
Which businesses and institutions are active?
Demcon, Thales, Aeronamic, Destinus, Re-lion, Benchmark, Bluemark Innovations, HTM Aerotec, Machinefabriek Boessekool, VDL-ETG, UT, Saxion and Technology Base, among many others.
How does defence innovation contribute to public safety?
Door technologieën zoals drones, sensoren en robotica voor infrastructuurbeveiliging, crisismanagement en civiel-militaire toepassingen.
Which testing and manufacturing facilities are available?
Technology Base, Twente Airport, Kennispark Twente, High Tech Systems Park and laboratories at UT and Saxion.
How do students and jobseekers benefit?
Through placements, graduation projects, traineeships and networking opportunities at businesses, educational institutions and testing facilities.
How does collaboration between civilian and military partners work?
Dual use technologies connect civilian applications with defence projects through programmes involving public and private partners.
What role does Twente play in European and national defence strategy?
Twente is a regional centre for defence innovation, participating in national and EU programmes for strategic autonomy and R&D. As part of this, Twente works closely with other regions in the Netherlands and Europe.