Counter-UAS: Dutch Ministry of Defence launches “Counter Strikedrone Challenge”

For Counter-UAS, the Dutch Ministry of Defence is relying on industry and calling on it to develop protective solutions against drones. Any company with a good idea or a usable product can now officially register for the so-called “Counter Strikedrone Challenge”.

Proposals are measured against a clearly defined operational objective of the Dutch armed forces. What is wanted, then, is not a particular type of product but whatever proves itself in practice – for example new methods of detecting, identifying or disabling drones.

One aspect stands out: the challenge focuses on putting a hostile drone out of action as quickly as possible – even while it is still over enemy territory. The ministry, in other words, does not want to wait until such a drone reaches the airspace over the Netherlands or over an ally.

The innovation competition is intended to help identify solutions already available on the market more quickly and put them into service. Companies with a convincing plan can expect lasting cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, which wants to build a long-term partnership with them for joint further development.

Counter-UAS via Defport and Mindbases

The challenge is co-organised by Defport, a public-private platform of the ministries of defence and economic affairs. Government, industry, financial and knowledge institutions work closely together there and discuss, among other things, how innovative products can be developed and financed faster.

The Ministry of Defence wants to expand this cooperation further. In addition to the challenge, so-called Mindbases are therefore being set up – meeting points for the ministry and companies. A cooperation agreement is also being concluded with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), intended to make collaboration easier for companies.