Why artificial intelligence has secured its place in special forces' operations
The diverse use cases of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been turning it into a critical tool for Special Operations Forces (SOF).
Netherlands builds new training facilities for special forces
Two new centres to train Dutch special forces will be up and running by the mid-2020s.
The Dutch MoD is investing between €25 million and €100 million ($30.15 million to $120.59 million) on new shooting ranges for Netherlands Special Operations Command (NLD SOCOM).
Facilities at Soesterberg and Ossendrecht will ensure that NLD SOCOM is given training opportunities ‘that meet all modern requirements’, Dutch defence minister Barbara Visser announced on 14 January.
The Soesterberg site is expected to open by 2023 for use by the Special Security Missions Brigade and Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces. The Ossendrecht centre will open in 2024 at the earliest.
Until then, Dutch SF will train in a temporary facility.
Both of the new sites will have a building for CQB live fire, sniper tower and 100m-long, 270-degree indoor shooting range.
There will be mobile bullet traps and a video tracking system with intercom, which will be operated from the control room. In addition, both shooting galleries will include mechanical ventilation to discharge gases.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
You may also like
More from Special Operations
-
![Why artificial intelligence has secured its place in special forces' operations]()
-
![Polaris unveils new military snowmobile for Arctic SOF operations]()
Polaris unveils new military snowmobile for Arctic SOF operations
Polaris Government and Defense has launched the Military 850 TITAN 155 snowmobile ahead of SOF Week 2025. Designed for immediate deployment in cold-weather environments, the platform will enter trials with special operations forces by year-end, targeting NATO’s northern and eastern European members.
-
![Canadian light and beacon solutions promise to improve safety for SOF teams]()
Canadian light and beacon solutions promise to improve safety for SOF teams
Solutions supplied by Adventure Tactical currently equip military and law enforcement forces of 24 countries.
-
![SOF Week 2025: Global threats and industry opportunities in focus (video)]()
SOF Week 2025: Global threats and industry opportunities in focus (video)
At SOF Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida, Stu Bradin, President and CEO of the Global SOF Foundation (GSOF), underscored the increasing operational demands placed on special operations forces (SOF) as global tensions mount.
-
![Japan to set up DARPA-style institute to tackle evolving threat of cyber warfare]()
Japan to set up DARPA-style institute to tackle evolving threat of cyber warfare
Japan’s Ministry of Defense is devoting government-level effort and funding to tackling the growing problem of cyber warfare.
-
![Eurosatory day four: Images from across the show]()
Eurosatory day four: Images from across the show
All the best images from the penultimate day of Eurosatory 2024 which brought the security industry into sharper focus for attendees to the Parc des Expositions de Villepinte.
