Netherlands to invest in laser systems against drones — Anadolu Agency

The Netherlands will invest in laser systems designed to disable enemy drones. Anadolu Agency reports, citing Dutch broadcaster NOS.

Faster response to threats

State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman said that the proliferation of drones in conflicts in the Middle East and recent incidents closer to the Netherlands have demonstrated the need for more effective protection against them.

According to him, laser systems can neutralize drones faster and more cheaply than missiles, including Patriot missiles. This is particularly important when countering large numbers of drones.

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Development of systems in the Netherlands

Last year, the Netherlands signed a contract with an Australian company to develop laser systems in the country in cooperation with the Dutch research organization TNO. Tuinman said that the Ministry of Defence was satisfied with the prototype created as part of this project.

According to the official, the system could help the Netherlands reduce its dependence on other countries in the field of air defence equipment. At the same time, the ministry did not disclose the amount of planned spending.

The Defence White Paper released this summer states that the country's armed forces will invest heavily in unmanned systems and means of protection against them. The document envisages that within five years, more than half of the military's operational capabilities should be provided by unmanned systems.