The Netherlands is implementing a software-first framework designed to unify unmanned aerial and ground systems from multiple manufacturers under a single operational network.
To support this initiative, the Dutch government has awarded a 30-million-euro ($34.3 million) contract to Dutch company Intelic to develop the software infrastructure for its future unmanned systems ecosystem. The three-year agreement positions the Netherlands as the first country to formally embrace a software-first model for military interoperability, focusing on integration before purchasing new platforms.
Under the contract, Intelic will partner with the Dutch Ministry of Defence to design the software architecture required to link unmanned air and ground platforms into one coordinated operational environment. Central to the project is Intelic’s NEXUS command-and-control platform, which allows drones and robotic systems from different manufacturers to function together within a unified mission framework.
The ministry expects the software-centric approach to reduce deployment times, simplify training for operators, and enhance coordination across diverse unmanned fleets.
Intelic will build on its experience in software-based interoperability during the project. Since 2025, the company’s NEXUS platform has been used by Ukrainian forces to improve drone operations and accelerate responses to battlefield threats. Intelic has also established a procurement platform connecting European drone manufacturers with the Dutch government, enabling officials to evaluate NEXUS-compatible systems. By integrating software before acquiring new hardware, the Netherlands aims to lower interoperability risks and accelerate the introduction of advanced unmanned capabilities.
