Defence joins US initiative on unmanned air systems
The Netherlands is joining the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme, an initiative to develop autonomous unmanned air systems. Fighter pilots control these systems from their aircraft. State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman signed the letter of intent today, ahead of the annual Defence Industry Days at the Netherlands embassy in Washington.
By signing the letter of intent, the Netherlands is demonstrating its desire to make progress with innovation and cooperation in the field of unmanned systems. This is one of the 5 key areas of the Defence Strategy for Industry and Innovation, launched in April. By joining this US development programme at this time, the Netherlands is seizing an opportunity to assume a leading role.
Integrated unmanned air systems can significantly increase the effectiveness of manned fighter aircraft such as the F-35 – for instance, by offering additional sensor range, additional weapons and by carrying out high-risk missions over enemy territory. Such capabilities are faster and cheaper to produce than traditional manned fighter aircraft.
ISR Capabilities
Defence is also set to work with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to develop smaller unmanned systems. These drones can be used for ISR capabilities: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. VDL will produce them. It is expected that the Defence organisation should be able to put them into service by next year.
At the opening of the Defence Industry Days, the State Secretary underlined the importance of transatlantic cooperation. During this two-day session, around 150 representatives of companies and governments from both countries will be participating in panel discussions and network meetings.
First step towards cooperation
In the longer term, it will also be possible to involve Dutch knowledge institutes and companies in the American research and development programme. The signing of the letter of intent marks the beginning of the Netherlands Defence organisation’s participation in this form of cooperation. The agreements will be further developed in the coming years.
US technology companies are at the forefront of global developments. The Netherlands Defence organisation therefore cooperates closely with the US in the area of high-tech military materiel and equipment. By joining forces with the US Air Force and building up a knowledge base, the Dutch industrial and technological base will also be strengthened.