In 2025, the Dutch Defense Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team dismantled a record 3,438 explosive devices, a 40 percent increase from the 2,455 handled in 2024.

Most of the neutralized items were conventional explosives, such as bombs and shells leftover from World War II. The rise in cases is partly due to numerous construction and archaeological projects across the Netherlands that frequently uncover old ordnance.

In 264 incidents, the EOD responded to situations involving heavy fireworks, like Cobras, which were used in criminal activities including attacks on homes and businesses. Reports of serious fireworks incidents tend to spike around New Year’s and during clashes within organized crime.

A major operation occurred at Deelen Air Base, where 14 high-explosive bombs and thousands of shells were cleared from a former drop zone over a two-month period at the end of 2025. The explosives were mostly unexploded British and American ammunition left from World War II, with a large portion safely detonated at the airbase on December 11, 2025.

While the EOD typically carries out over 2,500 ordnance clearances each year, 2025 was unusually busy. The team operates around the clock, handling incidents on land as well as in and under water.

Following strict safety protocols, they transport, disarm, or deliberately detonate explosives, often working in coordination with law enforcement and local authorities.