Economic Mission to Arizona: Advancing Space & Defense Innovation

From 17 to 21 October 2026, a Dutch delegation will travel to Arizona for a trade mission focused on space, defence and advanced optics.

The Netherlands and Arizona are a strong match because their ecosystems bring complementary capabilities to many of the same technological challenges. Dutch companies contribute specialised high-tech expertise in areas such as sensing, photonics, navigation, satellite technologies and secure communications. Arizona, in turn, offers a strong concentration of aerospace and defence companies, advanced manufacturing capabilities, leading universities and public organisations that actively support innovation and international cooperation. 

The mission brings these strengths together through company visits, university exchanges, roundtables and networking sessions in Phoenix and Tucson. Participants will share knowledge, discuss technological developments and explore where Dutch and American expertise can complement one another. The programme also creates opportunities to connect specialised Dutch technologies with larger industrial and research ecosystems in the United States. 

The aim is to build lasting connections, identify opportunities for joint R&D and innovation, and strengthen cooperation across international space and defence value chains.

Connecting for future space innovation