The Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) has entered into a strategic partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to develop a small, cost-efficient uncrewed aircraft system for multi-role intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. This aircraft will be designed for flexibility, enabling a wide range of mission payloads and supporting advanced operational capabilities. Dutch firm VDL Defentec—renowned for its expertise in the design and manufacturing of military and special-purpose platforms—has been selected by GA-ASI to produce the new system, bringing local manufacturing, logistics, and support expertise to the project.
The agreement includes not only technical development but also the building of domestic uncrewed aerial system manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands. The companies have stated their intention to scale the new platform for high-volume production, meeting increasing European defense needs. Early plans anticipate the aircraft’s first flight before the end of the year and entry into low-rate initial production by 2026, with manufacture set to take place in both the US and the Netherlands.
Officials from the Dutch MoD emphasized that the initiative is an example of strategic transatlantic defense collaboration, strengthening the technological base and contributing versatile new capabilities to European and NATO partners. The development is expected to bolster Europe’s ability to address emerging security threats while increasing local defense industry resilience.
