Dutch defense bomb disposal team dismantles record 3,438 explosives in 2025
The Dutch Defense Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team dismantled a record 3,438 explosives in 2025, marking a 40 percent rise from the 2,455 devices dealt with in 2024.
Most of the neutralized items consisted of conventional explosives, including bombs and shells, remnants from World War II. Part of the rise can be attributed to the numerous construction and archaeological projects in the Netherlands, which often uncover old explosives.
In 264 instances, the EOD responded to incidents involving heavy fireworks, such as Cobras, which were used in criminal acts, including assaults on residences and commercial buildings. Reports of serious fireworks incidents rise, particularly around New Year’s and during clashes within the criminal underworld.
A notable operation took place at Deelen Air Base, where, over a two-month period at the end of 2025, 14 high-explosive bombs and thousands of shells were cleared from a former drop zone. The explosives were primarily unexploded British and American ammunition left in the area during the war. A significant amount of the explosives found was safely detonated at the airbase on December 11, 2025.
On average, the EOD conducts over 2,500 ordnance clearances each year, but 2025 was exceptionally busy. The service is operational 24/7 for incidents on land as well as on and under water.
They follow specialized protocols to handle explosives safely, transporting, disarming, or deliberately detonating them, usually in collaboration with law enforcement and local authorities.
