PARIS – The Netherlands is in the process of assembling an air-defense system by integrating a remote-controlled weapon station onto an armored wheeled vehicle. This initiative aims to equip its infantry with a mobile system to defend against drones, addressing a current capability deficiency until the anticipated arrival of the Skyranger 30 from Rheinmetall in 2028.
The Dutch government recognizes the urgent need for counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) that can be deployed swiftly due to the escalating threat posed by drones, according to a letter from State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman to the parliament on Monday. These systems are slated to be part of a significant investment totaling between €1 billion and €2.5 billion dedicated to enhancing drone countermeasures.
With the increasing reliance on drones in conflicts, as evidenced by their significant role in frontline engagements in Ukraine, European nations are urgently seeking interim solutions to shield their ground forces. This need has expedited the development of systems like France’s Proteus, which features a 20mm anti-air cannon from the 1970s mounted on a truck from the 1980s.
In his communication, Tuinman emphasized the critical importance of counter-UAS capabilities in combating unmanned systems. He mentioned that the Ministry of Defence is actively investing in additional C-UAS resources, drawing insights from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The proposed Dutch mobile anti-drone systems will consist of commercially available military components including a wheeled armored vehicle, a remote-controlled weapon station, ammunition, and combat management systems, revealed the Ministry of Defence.
While specifics on the delivery timelines or the number of systems to be procured were not disclosed due to security reasons, the ministry confirmed the procurement of new systems and components. However, details regarding the suppliers and the company responsible for integrating these systems remain under evaluation, stated Jiska Post, a spokesperson for the state secretary for defence.
The Netherlands has committed to acquiring 22 Skyranger 30 systems, with the initial deliveries scheduled for 2028. Even after the Skyranger systems become operational, the additional mobile anti-drone units will continue to be in service, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Recent incidents involving unidentified drones over European territory, including Russian drones in Romania and Poland, as well as smaller, inexpensive drones over vital infrastructure in NATO countries, have been identified as troubling trends by Tuinman. Over the recent weekend, unexplained drone activities were reported over the Volkel Air Base and Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands, adding to the list of European nations experiencing similar breaches, with several linked to Russia.
Furthermore, the Dutch military plans to acquire IRIS anti-drone radars, all-terrain patrol vehicles equipped with an integrated remote-controlled weapon system, additional man-portable and vehicle-mounted C-UAS systems, and interceptor drones, according to the Ministry of Defence.
An additional investment is being planned for hard-kill C-UAS capabilities for the Royal Netherlands Navy, Tuinman disclosed in another letter to parliament. He noted that current maritime anti-drone measures predominantly rely on soft-kill approaches like jamming, or on expensive kinetic solutions such as missiles.
Tuinman highlighted a capability gap in naval defenses, which lacks kinetic systems for neutralizing unmanned aerial systems independently, and the need to develop a layered self-defense for naval vessels that supplements existing close-in weapon and soft-kill systems.
The envisioned capability would bridge the gap between short-range, small-caliber defenses and costly long-range missiles, which are available in limited quantities. The ministry anticipates an investment ranging from €250 million to €1 billion, with further details expected to be presented to parliament in the spring of 2026.
“A defense against medium-range threats from unmanned systems is critically needed to enhance the survivability of our naval vessels,” Tuinman concluded.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
