The Dutch Ministry of Defence has said it will be investing heavily in new resources to combat drones in the coming years. It wants to have additional systems available more quickly that can be deployed against unmanned aircraft.
In 2028, the new Skyranger 30 anti-drone cannon system will be deployed. Until then, to provide infantry units with mobile capabilities against small drones, the ministry is purchasing readily available combat counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) equipment. These systems include armoured wheeled vehicles as chassis and remotely operated weapon systems as well as ammunition and Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) assets. The Ministry of Defence is integrating these components, in collaboration with industry, into an operational air defence system. These systems will remain operational even after the arrival of the Skyranger 30 .
In addition, the Ministry of Defence is accelerating the order for the Skyranger 30 to include mobile anti-drone cannon systems. These are intended to protect critical infrastructure, such as the Port of Rotterdam. They will also protect military locations and the upcoming armoured infantry battalion.
The Ministry of Defence is also strengthening its drone protection with other weapon systems. For example, army and navy units are receiving light patrol vehicles with integrated weapons. Furthermore, all available air defence assets are being expanded with new portable and vehicle-based systems. It will consider additional capabilities for detecting and disrupting drones.
Finally, the Ministry of Defence is investing in new technologies, including interceptor drones designed to disable enemy versions by colliding with them or detonating them.
The total investment is between EUR 1 and EUR 2.5 billion.
The Dutch Navy is also facing the growing threat of drones and the Ministry of Defence says ships are currently insufficiently equipped to combat kamikaze drones, among other things. The ministry said there is a need for a maritime kinetic C-UAS defense system and that because these land-based systems are already available, the European defence industry is expected to be able to offer a solution for the navy as well. This project involves an investment of between EUR 250 million and EUR 1 billion.
For more information
Ministry of Defence – Netherlands
Image: Skyranger 30 (Dutch Ministry of Defence)
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