Dutch factory to build Israeli rifles and machine guns

Israeli arms manufacturer Israel Weapon Industries and Dutch defense firm Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments will produce IWI weapon systems in the Netherlands. The companies announced the partnership on Monday, aiming to shift assembly and manufacturing operations to European soil. This industrial agreement follows a large public demonstration in Amsterdam that criticized the Dutch government's stance on Israel.

The deal centers on the ARAD 5 rifle and the NEGEV UX. IWI will transfer the technology, product expertise, and manufacturing know-how to AIA. In return, AIA will build the infrastructure required to deliver and support these products in the Netherlands. The collaboration is designed to establish long-term domestic production and technical capabilities within the country.

Assembly is set to begin at AIA's current site in Tilburg. The companies noted that the operation may relocate to a different Dutch location in the near future. Production will follow a phased approach. It will start with assembly, move to partial local production, and conclude with full domestic manufacturing. Neither company provided specific timelines or investment amounts for these stages.

AIA stated that the Dutch government was not involved in the agreement. Ronen Hamudot, Vice Chairman of SK Group, described the partnership as a way to apply decades of weapon platform experience in a new industrial setting. He emphasized the goal of turning proven technology into operational capability where it is needed.

AIA CEO Gerard Zondervan framed the deal as essential for national security. He said the Netherlands needs the ability to manufacture and support the defense systems it relies on. Zondervan argued that a strong industrial base is fundamental to the country's security posture. He called the cooperation a step toward a greater role for Dutch industry in delivering defense capabilities.

The announcement came one day after 200,000 people gathered in Amsterdam. The rally was part of a series of "red line" demonstrations where participants dress in red to form a line against alleged war crimes against Palestinians. These protests began in May 2025 and were organized by the Dutch NGO Oxfam Novib. The first event drew approximately 100,000 participants. Thirteen organizations, including Amnesty International and Save the Children, backed the Sunday gathering. The previous protest in October 2025 drew an estimated 250,000 people. Participants demanded stronger Dutch action against Israel.