Counter-UAS: the Netherlands invests billions in Skyranger and more

More money than originally planned will flow into counter-UAS for the Netherlands armed forces in the coming years. The reason given is the rapidly growing threat from unmanned systems: it is evident in Ukraine, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, but recently also in incidents in Poland, Romania and the Netherlands itself. State Secretary Gijs Tuinman therefore announced that additional counter-drone capabilities would be procured more quickly.

Interim solution until the Skyranger 30 from 2028

The Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft gun system from Rheinmetall is to enter service with the Netherlands army from 2028. To bridge the time until then and provide mobile protection against micro drones, the Ministry of Defence is buying counter-drone solutions for combat that can be delivered at short notice, known as combat counter-UAS solutions. The package includes armoured wheeled vehicles as carriers, remotely operated weapon stations, the matching ammunition and C4I systems.

Working with industry, these building blocks will be combined into a complete, operational air defence system. They are to remain usable even after the Skyranger 30 has been introduced.

At the same time, the Skyranger 30 order is being brought forward and supplemented with mobile counter-drone systems. These are to protect critical infrastructure such as the Port of Rotterdam, military facilities and the new armoured infantry battalion.

Counter-UAS across all service branches

Other service branches will also gain new capabilities: light patrol vehicles with integrated effectors are planned for the army and navy. Under the eAAAD (extended All Arms Air Defence) concept, the entire spectrum of air defence assets is also being expanded – for example with additional sensors and jamming systems designed to detect and engage drones.

Money is also going into new technologies such as interceptor drones. They are designed to neutralise enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) by ramming them or detonating in a controlled manner.

The total investment volume ranges between 1 and 2.5 billion euros. The aim is to better prepare the Netherlands armed forces to defend their own territory and allied territory.

Kinetic protection sought for ships

The navy, too, faces a growing threat from drones, especially kamikaze drones. Many of its ships currently lack suitable countermeasures. The plan is therefore to procure a kinetic system for maritime counter-UAS (C-UAS). Because such systems already exist for land operations, The Hague expects market-ready offers from the European defence industry. Between 250 million and 1 billion euros has been earmarked for this.