Netherlands to invest in laser weapons for drone defense

The Netherlands is investing in laser weapon technology designed to neutralize enemy drones. State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman stated that the increasing use of drones in Middle Eastern conflicts and recent incidents near Dutch borders highlight the need for more effective countermeasures.

Tuinman noted that laser systems can deactivate drones more quickly and at a lower cost than missile systems like the Patriot, particularly when facing large numbers of drones. The Dutch government previously signed a contract with an Australian company to develop these laser systems domestically in collaboration with the Dutch research organization TNO.

The Ministry of Defence has expressed satisfaction with a prototype already developed under the project. This initiative aims to reduce the country's dependence on foreign air defense equipment. According to the Dutch Defence White Paper published this summer, the armed forces intend to invest heavily in unmanned systems and their defense, with a goal for more than half of the army's operational capabilities to be provided through unmanned systems within five years.