Keeping Dutch military airfields operationally ready

Aebi Schmidt has delivered the first 12 Schmidt AS 990 runway sweepers to the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The machines are part of an order for 18 units in total and will be used to support cleaning operations on the runways of six military airfields in the Netherlands. The remaining six machines will be delivered in the coming months.

The agreement covers more than the delivery of the sweepers alone. Aebi Schmidt is also providing operator and technical training, spare parts supply and maintenance for a period of up to 18 years.

A new generation of runway cleaning

The Schmidt AS 990 machines replace runway sweepers that have reached the end of their operational service life. Their task is clear: to keep military runways clean, safe and ready for use.

The new machines also add an important capability. While the previous equipment was mainly used for sweeping and vacuuming debris, the AS 990 also enables deep cleaning of runway surfaces. This gives the Ministry greater flexibility in maintaining its infrastructure and contributes to reliable military flight operations.

Sustainability was also included in the evaluation, alongside the operational requirements for runway maintenance and long-term support.

From left to right: Fabian Huguenin (Mindef), Enrik Taverne (Mindef), Jeroen Mulder (Aebi Schmidt), Co van der Steen (Aebi Schmidt), Jan Willem Altena (Aebi Schmidt), Maarten Vijn (Ministerie van Defensie), Frank van Wamel (Mindef), Stefan Lagodin (Aebi Schmidt).
From left to right: Fabian Huguenin (Mindef), Enrik Taverne (Mindef), Jeroen Mulder (Aebi Schmidt), Co van der Steen (Aebi Schmidt), Jan Willem Altena (Aebi Schmidt), Maarten Vijn (Ministerie van Defensie), Frank van Wamel (Mindef), Stefan Lagodin (Aebi Schmidt).

More than machines

A key element of the agreement is the support package behind the fleet. Operators are trained to use the Schmidt AS 990 safely and effectively, while technical personnel receive instruction on the relevant maintenance work.

The long-term provision of spare parts and maintenance helps ensure the availability and reliability of the fleet throughout its service life.

For the Ministry of Defence, the agreement also offers a practical advantage: one central point of contact. As Aebi Schmidt already supports several types of airfield vehicles for the Ministry, communication and coordination can be handled through a single organisation.

According to Maarten Vijn, project manager at the Dutch Ministry of Defence, this makes cooperation simpler and more efficient in practice, both in day-to-day coordination and in long-term fleet support.

Building on a proven partnership

For Aebi Schmidt, this delivery is about more than supplying 18 new machines. It is about supporting the people who operate and maintain them, and contributing to safe, reliable and efficient airfield operations in the years ahead.

The award also continues a strong track record: Aebi Schmidt has been awarded the last five Ministry of Defence tenders in which it participated. We are proud of this continued trust and appreciate the confidence placed in our machines, service organisation and people.

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