Counter-drone systems against fast tactical drones: Netherlands launches second Counter-Drone Challenge

The Dutch Ministry of Defence (Ministerie van Defensie) has launched a second “Counter-Drone Challenge”, open to industry. It is looking for counter-drone systems capable of detecting and defeating tactical drones – aircraft weighing 150 to 400 kilograms that reach speeds of up to 600 km/h.

A total of 30 million euros has been earmarked for the programme. A viable solution may lead to long-term cooperation with the ministry.

Counter-drone systems made in Europe

The new systems are to be developed and produced by European companies, preferably ones in the Netherlands. The Hague's declared aim is to reduce dependencies and strengthen strategic autonomy in unmanned systems.

The Ministry of Defence had already launched a first challenge in October of the previous year. Its focus was a novel interception system intended to engage hostile drones over enemy territory. The current second round, by contrast, builds on existing technological components, which are to be developed further and manufactured industrially in Europe.

The ministry considers the format a proven way to bring innovations to the troops quickly. The armed forces and industry cooperate closely from the outset – shortening development times and expanding production capacity faster.

The call for proposals is part of the “Actieplan Productiezekerheid Onbemande Systemen” (APOS). Under this programme, all branches of the armed forces pool their activities so that they have modern, reliable unmanned systems at their disposal over the long term. At the same time, a high-tech ecosystem of industry and research institutions is emerging.

With the second Counter-Drone Challenge, the Netherlands is responding to the rapid pace of technological development in drones. The focus is primarily on faster, larger and militarily more capable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), which increasingly confront conventional air defence systems with new challenges.