The Ministry of Defence will be investing heavily in new resources to combat drones in the coming years. The threat of unmanned systems is increasing rapidly. This is evident from the war in Ukraine, the threat from the East, and developments in the Middle East. In addition, there are the recent drone incidents in Poland and Romania, and more recently in the Netherlands. Therefore, the Ministry of Defence wants to have additional systems available more quickly that can be deployed against unmanned aircraft. State Secretary Gijs Tuinman wrote this to the House of Representatives yesterday.

In 2028, the organization will deploy the new Skyranger 30 anti-drone cannon system. Until then, to provide infantry units with mobile capabilities against small drones, the Ministry of Defence is purchasing readily available Combat Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS). These systems include armored wheeled vehicles as chassis and remotely operated weapon systems. They also include 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 defense 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 Skyranger30 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.

Detect and disrupt

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 defense assets ( extended All Arms Air Defence (eAAAD)) are being expanded with new portable and vehicle-based systems. Consider additional capabilities for detecting and disrupting drones.

Finally, the Ministry of Defence is investing in new technologies, including so-called interceptor drones . These are designed to disable enemy versions by colliding with them or detonating them.

The total investment is between €1 and €2.5 billion. This will better prepare the armed forces to defend their own territory and that of their allies.

Kamikaze drones

The navy is also facing the growing threat of drones and must take more action against them. Navy ships are currently insufficiently equipped to combat kamikaze drones, among other things. This can be achieved with a maritime kinetic CUAS defense system. Because these land-based systems are already available, the European defense industry is expected to be able to offer a solution for the navy as well. This project involves an investment of between €250 million and €1 billion.