Kongsberg has partnered with Oshkosh Defense Europe to equip Dutch Oshkosh JLTVs with PROTECTOR RS4 remote weapon stations featuring counter-UAS capabilities. The RS4 is a modular remote weapon station capable of carrying small- and medium-caliber weapons, coaxial systems, and anti-tank guided missiles. With Kongsberg’s PROTECTOR Counter-UAS software, the station can detect, track, and engage drones using its mounted weapon. Kongsberg is also integrating Echodyne’s MESA radar into its PROTECTOR RS4 and RS6 systems. The radar supplies information such as range, range rate, and bearing, complementing electro-optical sensors and supporting engagement calculations and airburst ammunition applications. The Netherlands has separately selected Oshkosh Defense to manufacture 150 Dutch Expeditionary Patrol Vehicles based on the JLTV platform. The latest agreement reflects a wider Dutch effort to counter unmanned aircraft while modernizing military equipment. The Netherlands is upgrading Boxer armored vehicles with new anti-drone systems and has ordered 100 drone-detection radars from Robin Radar for deployment around airbases, critical infrastructure, and military facilities. The country has also selected Rheinmetall Air Defence’s Skyranger system under a high triple-digit-million-euro agreement, with deliveries planned for 2028 and 2029. More recently, the Dutch Ministry of Defence signed a letter of intent with Australian company EOS to develop the Apollo counter-drone high-energy laser into an operational weapon and examine potential production in the Netherlands.
