NLR-Marknesse host of NATO exercise TIE26

1 minute read

From 12 to 22 May, NLR-Marknesse will serve as the host location for NATO's annual exercise dedicated to improving drone counter-measures. During this event, military personnel, tech experts, and innovators from across the Alliance will gather in the Noordoostpolder for a counter-drone exercise.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) represent an ever-growing challenge in modern conflict. During the NATO Technical Interoperability Exercise 2026 (TIE26), over 300 participants from dozens of countries will test how they can collectively detect and neutralise these threats.

The key focus of the exercise is interoperability. The objective is not only to test the latest drone technology but, more importantly, to ensure that systems from different NATO allies can communicate and work together seamlessly.

NLR possesses unique facilities within the Netherlands to conduct these large-scale tests safely and effectively. We are honoured to make a direct contribution to NATO’s collective security and technological advancement.

Latest news

Defence and Security

15 October 2026

Skunk Works and the Royal NLR expand strategic collaboration

Washington, D.C., Oct. 15, 2026 – Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT) and The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) today announced a broadening of their strategic partnership with a focus on four key pillars. These include connectivity to the Dutch industrial base, coordination on military operational analysis, alignment on technology roadmaps, and collaboration on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). What began two years ago as an exploratory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has matured into a high-impact collaboration, rapidly transitioning advanced technologies from the research lab into operational solutions that directly support the mission readiness of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.