The minister of defence (Dutch: Minister van Defensie) is the head of the Ministry of Defence and a member of the Cabinet and the Council of Ministers.

The incumbent minister is Ruben Brekelmans of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) party who has been in office since 2 July 2024.

Regularly, a state secretary is assigned to the ministry who is tasked with specific portfolios.

The current state secretary is Gijs Tuinman of the Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB) who also has been in office since 2 July 2024.