Tilburg, Netherlands –Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), an SK Group company and global leader in small arms manufacturing, and Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments (AIA), a Netherlands-based defence company, are planning to establish local manufacturing and assembly of IWI weapons and systems in the Netherlands, combining Israeli defence technology and expertise with Dutch industrial capacity.
Under the planned cooperation, AIA will manufacture and assemble two IWI weapon platforms in a factory to be established in the Netherlands: the ARAD 5 rifle and the NEGEV UX. IWI will provide 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 will establish a foundation for long-term domestic production, technical expertise and lifecycle support in the Netherlands. By bringing manufacturing and assembly onshore, the initiative will advance the country’s defence industrial base and create a new model for collaboration between Dutch industry and an established international defence manufacturer.
“The future of defence 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 defence and security customers over the long term.”
“A strong Dutch industrial base is fundamental to national security,” said AIA CEO Gerard Zondervan. “The Netherlands needs the ability to manufacture, develop expertise and support the defence systems on which its security depends. This cooperation is a step toward a future in which Dutch industry plays a greater role in delivering the defence capabilities our country needs.”
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), part of the SK Group, is the main supplier to the Israeli Army and Israeli Police, with combat-proven products used by military, law enforcement and special forces in over 60 countries across diverse operational environments. Renowned for developing the iconic UZI, IWI continues to set benchmarks in firearm innovation and reliability, developing advanced systems like the ARAD, the NEGEV light machine gun, and the TAVOR.
Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments (AIA) is a Dutch defence company developing and manufacturing ammunition, weapon systems and counter-drone solutions, including remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS). The name Artillerie Inrichtingen has roots in Dutch defence manufacturing dating back to 1679. Today, AIA builds on that heritage by combining engineering expertise with practical experience, taking projects from initial design through to production. Through cooperation with international partners, AIA works to strengthen the Dutch defence industrial base and meet the operational needs of modern armed forces.
