Israeli defense giant IWI, Dutch defense company sign Netherlands-based arms production deal

Israeli firearms maker Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) and Dutch defense company Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments (AIA) plan to manufacture and assemble IWI weapon systems in the Netherlands, the companies said on Monday.

IWI, known for the development of the Uzi submachine gun, is the main weapons supplier for the IDF and Israel Police.

Under the planned cooperation agreement, AIA will begin manufacturing and assembling the ARAD 5 rifle and the NEGEV UX in a factory that will be built in the Netherlands.

IWI will provide AIA with the underlying technology, product expertise, and manufacturing know-how, while AIA will establish the Dutch manufacturing operation and the infrastructure to deliver and support the products.

The planned cooperation between the two defense companies is expected to create the foundation for long-term domestic production, technical expertise, and lifecycle support in the Netherlands.

Assembly will start at AIA's site in Tilburg, with the possibility of moving to a different location in the near future, the companies said

Production will be phased, starting with assembly, followed by partial production in the Netherlands and eventually full domestic production, AIA said, without giving specific timeframes or investment figures.

AIA added that the Dutch government was not involved in the agreement.

Building a strong Dutch industrial base

“The future of defense manufacturing will be shaped by the ability to turn proven technology into operational capability where it is needed,” said SK Group’s Vice Chairman Ronen Hamudot. “We see this cooperation as an opportunity to bring our decades of experience developing and manufacturing weapon platforms for demanding operational environments into a new industrial setting."

"Our focus remains on delivering proven, reliable solutions while building the manufacturing relationships needed to serve defense and security customers over the long term.”

AIA CEO Gerard Zondervan emphasized that  “A strong Dutch industrial base is fundamental to national security."

“The Netherlands needs the ability to manufacture, develop expertise and support the defense systems on which its security depends," Zondervan said. "This cooperation is a step toward a future in which Dutch industry plays a greater role in delivering the defense capabilities our country needs.”

Thousands rally in Amsterdam to protest Dutch gov't's Israel policy

The announcement of the agreement comes a day after 200,000 people gathered in Amsterdam to protest the Dutch government’s policy toward Israel in the latest of a series of “red line” demonstrations in which participants dress in red to form a line against alleged war crimes against Palestinians.

The red line protests began in May 2025, organized by the Dutch NGO Oxfam Novib, and the first drew around 100,000 participants. Since then, the movement has grown. Thirteen organizations backed Sunday’s gathering, including Oxfam Novib, Amnesty International, and Save the Children, according to the Dutch English-language news outlet NL Times.

Sunday’s protest was the fourth red line demonstration, according to NL Times, which reported that an estimated 250,000 people took part in the previous one, in October 2025.

Participants are demanding that the Dutch government take stronger action against Israel.