L3Harris Technologies has signed a long-term agreement with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to supply combat net radios under the Foxtrot armed forces digital modernization program. The radios will come from L3Harris’s Falcon IV family and support the MTBB project, which includes vehicle-mounted and handheld systems. The acquisition will equip approximately 8,000 vehicles, 3,500 personnel, 135 vessels, and 170 aircraft and helicopters. The Foxtrot program has a budget of up to €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion) and is set to continue until at least 2036. This agreement marks a significant step in modernizing the Netherlands’ military communication infrastructure. Original news
Category: Netherlands
Thales Secures €100M Sonar Contract for Dutch Orka-Class Submarines
Thales has won a multimillion-euro contract from France’s Naval Group to supply integrated sonar suites for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Orka-class submarines. The deal, valued at over €100 million ($109 million), was announced on March 19. Naval Group previously secured a €5.6 billion contract in September 2024 from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to build four conventionally powered submarines at its Cherbourg facility. The Thales sonar suite, based on the French Navy’s Barracuda-class technology, will include multiple arrays and advanced sonar systems. This contract strengthens France-Netherlands defense cooperation and enhances the Dutch Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities. Original news
Dutch Defense Minister Reaffirms Strong Commitment to F-35 Program
Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans reaffirmed the strong commitment of partner nations to the Lockheed Martin F-35 program during the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum. He emphasized that keeping the F-35 operational and successful is in the best interest of all participating countries, noting no signs of U.S. withdrawal from the program. Brekelmans highlighted European collaboration on the F-35 and stressed the importance of U.S. support in sustaining its effectiveness. The Netherlands has received 40 of its 52 ordered F-35s and plans to acquire six more as part of its modernization efforts. Lockheed Martin confirmed last week that it […]
Ukrainian F-16s Engage Russian Forces with Advanced Weaponry
Ukraine’s newly acquired F-16 fighters are now actively engaging Russian forces along the 800-mile front line, armed with air-to-air missiles, precision glide bombs, and radar jammers. The jets, supplied by Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, offer superior capabilities compared to Ukraine’s Soviet-era aircraft, including the AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures (ECM) pod. A U.S. Air Force official highlighted the ECM pod’s strategic impact, stating it can create “a pocket of air superiority” to achieve mission-critical objectives. Despite these enhancements, Ukraine remains dependent on U.S. programming support for the ECM systems. The F-16s mark a significant step in modernizing Ukraine’s air force […]
Russia’s Invasion Spurs Global Demand for Earth Observation Technology
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has increased global interest in Earth observation (EO) technology, driving nations to develop their own satellite capabilities. Maxar Intelligence’s chief product officer Peter Wilczynski emphasized the crucial role of commercial space assets in providing battlefield imagery. Planet Labs CEO Will Marshall highlighted the importance of EO satellites for intelligence gathering and strategic decision-making. Recent deals, such as Maxar’s $14 million contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defense and Planet’s $230 million agreement with Sky Perfect JSAT, reflect this growing demand. The trend underscores nations’ desire for independent access to satellite intelligence amid rising geopolitical tensions. Original […]
Rheinmetall Wins Contract to Supply C-390 Flight Simulators to Dutch Air Force
Rheinmetall has secured a contract worth a “double-digit million Euro” to provide flight simulators and cargo handling trainers for the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF) Embraer C-390 transport aircraft. Production of the Full Flight and Mission Simulators (FFMS) and Cargo Handling Station Trainers (CHST) will begin immediately, with delivery expected by the end of 2026. The FFMS will meet Level D standards, allowing pilots to train under both normal and emergency conditions. Meanwhile, the CHST will enhance cargo handling training for flight crews and loadmasters with advanced visual display technology. The deal strengthens the Netherlands’ military training capabilities as it […]
Netherlands Orders L3Harris Radios for Military Modernization
The Netherlands has ordered L3Harris Technologies’ AN/PRC-167, AN/PRC-163, and AN/PRC-160 portable radios as part of its Foxtrot modernization program. The initiative aims to replace outdated communication systems and enhance battlefield management. Deliveries, including software and integration services, are scheduled for 2026. The program will equip around 8,000 vehicles, 3,500 personnel, 135 vessels, and 170 aircraft with upgraded communication capabilities. The first major delivery will support key operational units, including the Royal Netherlands Army’s 44th Battalion and special forces. Original news
Germany Selects Elbit’s Euro PULS Rocket System Over Rheinmetall and Lockheed
Germany has chosen Elbit Systems’ Euro PULS artillery rocket launchers over Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin’s Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System. The decision, announced on February 6, includes an initial contract worth $57 million. The selection was part of a broader agreement involving the German, Dutch, and Israeli governments. KNDS-Germany also played a role, leveraging its experience in upgrading the German Army’s M270 MLRS. The deal strengthens Germany’s artillery capabilities while deepening defense ties with Israel and European allies. Original news
Netherlands to Buy 22 Skyranger Air-Defense Systems for $1.35 Billion
The Netherlands will acquire 22 Skyranger mobile air-defense cannons from Rheinmetall for $1.35 billion to strengthen its defenses against drone threats. The Dutch Ministry of Defence plans to finalize contracts in early 2025, with deliveries starting in 2028. The purchase follows Germany’s agreement in February 2024 to buy 19 Skyranger systems, which will also feature Raytheon’s Stinger missiles. The acquisition is part of a broader effort to modernize European air-defense capabilities amid evolving security challenges. Original news
Romania receives three more F-16 deliveries and recommits to European training
Romania has received three more F-16 jets, bringing its fleet to fifteen, with plans to complete an order of 32 second-hand jets from Norway by 2025. These aircraft will join the 48th Fighter Squadron, enhancing Romania’s national and NATO air defense capabilities. The country reaffirmed its commitment to the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) through a Letter of Intent, collaborating with the Netherlands and supported by Lockheed Martin. Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr highlighted the training program’s importance for Romanian and Ukrainian pilots, emphasizing its role in strengthening national and allied airspace security. This acquisition and training initiative underscore Romania’s […]
NATO air policing missions around Estonia see F-35 and Rafale jets intercept multiple Russian aircraft
NATO air policing missions near Estonia have involved Dutch F-35s and French Rafale jets intercepting Russian aircraft in the Baltic region. On Friday, French Rafales scrambled for the first time since their deployment in Lithuania, intercepting a Russian Ilyushin Il-18 near Estonia’s coast. Last week, Dutch F-35s intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, according to the Dutch defense ministry. These missions highlight NATO’s ongoing efforts to monitor and secure Baltic airspace amid rising tensions with Russia. Original news
Dutch F-35s intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea
Dutch F-35 fighter jets intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday, escorting them over international waters to the NATO area boundary, according to the Dutch defense ministry. Since December, Dutch F-35s have been patrolling NATO’s eastern border, with quick reaction alert (QRA) deployments from Estonia to intercept unidentified aircraft. This latest interception highlights ongoing Russian military activity near NATO airspace. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans reaffirmed the importance of these missions, emphasizing the readiness of Dutch forces. The patrols demonstrate NATO’s commitment to maintaining airspace security in response to regional tensions. Original news
Dutch say tight defense market leaves €750M of Ukraine aid unspent
The Netherlands will defer €750 million of planned military aid for Ukraine to 2025 due to constraints in the global defense market, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced. Despite this delay, the funds remain allocated for Ukraine as part of the Netherlands’ €10.4 billion military support pledge. Brekelmans noted that increased global demand is straining the defense industry as countries bolster their own militaries while aiding Ukraine. Dutch military assistance includes 24 F-16 fighters, a Patriot air-defense system, Leopard 2A4 tanks, armored personnel carriers, and mine-hunting vessels. The Netherlands has already committed or is negotiating €9.5 billion of its pledge, […]
Dutch F-35s arrive in Estonia for NATO air policing mission
Four Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighters from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) have been deployed to Estonia’s Amari Air Base for NATO’s air policing mission near the Russian border. The jets arrived on December 2 after an eight-month renovation of the base, enhancing its operational capacity. RNLAF Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Smaal stated that the fifth-generation fighters are ready to provide round-the-clock air surveillance and defense for NATO allies. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur welcomed the deployment, highlighting the importance of NATO’s rotational air defense model for regional security. This mission underscores NATO’s commitment to protecting its eastern flank. Original […]
Embraer Tightens Relations With Dutch Industry After C-390 Purchase
Embraer has signed agreements with several Dutch companies to support the Netherlands’ acquisition of C-390 Millennium airlifters. Collaborations include Fokker Services Group providing engineering and modification packages to prepare the aircraft for military and humanitarian missions. The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Center (NLR) will contribute to aircraft maintenance technologies, while Multisim and Rheinmetall will support virtual training system development. Dutch suppliers have also been selected to provide components for a full-mission simulator accompanying the C-390s. Embraer CEO Bosco Da Costa Jr. emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships as the Netherlands acquires five C-390s and supports Austria’s procurement of four aircraft. […]