The Netherlands is set to invest in laser weapons specifically aimed at disabling enemy drones, as reported by Dutch public broadcaster NOS. Gijs Tuinman, the State Secretary for Defense, highlighted the increasing use of drones in conflicts both in the Middle East and nearer to the Netherlands as a clear indication of the need for improved defenses.
Tuinman emphasized that laser systems offer a faster and more cost-effective solution compared to traditional missiles like the Patriot, especially when faced with multiple drones. The Dutch government previously signed a contract with an Australian company to develop these laser technologies in collaboration with the Dutch research organization TNO.
The Defense Ministry is reportedly pleased with a prototype that has been created as part of this initiative, which also aims to lessen the country’s reliance on foreign air defense systems. Although the exact investment amount for the laser systems remains undisclosed, the Netherlands’ recent Defense White Paper stated a significant focus on unmanned systems and related defense measures, aiming to have over half of the military’s operational capabilities derived from unmanned systems within the next five years.
