Dutch MoD to Spend up to €3.5B on Anti-drone Systems

The Dutch Ministry of Defence plans to invest up to €3.5 billion in anti-drone capabilities as drone activity increases across Europe and the Middle East, State Secretary Gijs Tuinman told the House of Representatives.

The ministry said the decision follows lessons from the war in Ukraine, tensions in Eastern Europe, developments in the Middle East, and recent drone incidents in Poland, Romania, and the Netherlands.

To support infantry units until the Skyranger 30 anti-drone cannon enters service in 2028, the ministry is purchasing mobile Combat Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems. These will use armored wheeled vehicles, remotely operated weapon stations, ammunition, and C4I components integrated with industry partners into an operational air-defence system. They will remain in service after the Skyranger 30’s arrival.

The ministry is also accelerating procurement of mobile Skyranger 30 systems to protect critical infrastructure, including the Port of Rotterdam, as well as military locations and the upcoming armoured infantry battalion.

Additional measures include light patrol vehicles equipped with drone-defence weapons for army and navy units and expanded portable and vehicle-based assets under the extended All Arms Air Defence programme for detecting and disrupting drones. The ministry is also investing in interceptor drones designed to disable hostile systems by collision or detonation.

Total spending on land-based systems ranges between €1 billion and €2.5 billion. The ministry said the investments will improve the protection of national and allied territory.

The navy will also receive new maritime counter-drone systems, as current ships are not sufficiently equipped for threats such as kamikaze drones. The project, expected to draw on European industry solutions, is valued between €250 million and €1 billion.