Dutch Drone Innovator Avy Enters Defence Sector with Dual-Use Technology
Amsterdam, Wednesday 28 January 2026
Amsterdam-based Avy is adapting its long-range medical drones for military reconnaissance. This strategic shift to ‘dual-use’ technology seeks to bolster European security infrastructure by investing in innovation during peacetime.
Bridging Civil and Military Capabilities
The transition to dual-use technology represents a pivotal evolution for Avy, one of the Netherlands’ largest drone developers. While the company has established a reputation for medical logistics, its aircraft—characterised by weather resistance and the ability to operate from flexible docking stations—are now being positioned for defence tasks such as reconnaissance and infrastructure monitoring [1]. Niels Blij, Avy’s Head of Defence Innovations & Relations, emphasises that this combination of durability and autonomous docking capabilities makes the technology particularly suitable for military deployment [1]. Blij brings significant operational expertise to this strategic realignment, having served for eight years in a reconnaissance and intelligence unit of the Dutch Army (Landmacht), including a deployment to Uruzgan [1].
Accelerating Regional Collaboration
To facilitate this integration of civilian technology into military operations, Avy is actively participating in the ‘Regioteam Defensie Noord-Holland’, a collaborative consortium involving the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the province, and regional development agency ROM InWest [1]. Within this framework, Blij chairs the ‘Bedrijvenvertegenwoordiging’ steering group, which acts as the primary conduit between regional businesses and the armed forces [1]. The objective is to shorten the traditionally lengthy communication lines between innovative entrepreneurs and Defence officials, ensuring that dual-use solutions can be identified and adopted more rapidly [1].
Investing in Peacetime Readiness
The urgency of this collaboration is driven by the shifting global security landscape. Blij argues that waiting for conflict to arise before establishing these connections is no longer a viable strategy; instead, investment in technology and cooperation must occur during peacetime to ensure infrastructure is fully operational when needed [1]. Beyond immediate security benefits, this initiative aims to bolster the North Holland business environment and enhance strategic autonomy by reducing dependence on foreign technology suppliers [1]. Avy is currently positioning itself as a point of contact for other enterprises seeking to contribute to this ecosystem of safety and innovation [1].