Defence and Security

Defence and Security

20 November 2025

Strategic cooperation between NLR and TNO accelerates dutch military space capabilities

Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and TNO have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to accelerate innovation in the field of Military Use of Space (MUoS). This agreement is a further intensification of the existing cooperation between the two knowledge institutions, which have been working together for over ten years in the field of military space applications.

Defence and Security

29 October 2025

Royal Netherlands Navy opens innovative drone workshop at NLR Marknesse

The Royal Netherlands Navy officially opened a new drone workshop on the site of the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) in Marknesse on Monday, October 20. The workshop marks a significant step in strengthening the cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and NLR in the field of unmanned aerial systems and maritime technology.

NLR corporate

27 October 2025

Resilience Week: NLR and TNO join forces for a safer future

From cyber attacks to espionage, from disinformation to disrupting vital infrastructure – the Netherlands is being tested on its resilience more and more often. Today's security issues are complex and affect all sectors. Cooperation is not a choice, but a necessity. That is why NLR and TNO are organising the Resilience Week from 27 to 31 October: a joint initiative that raises awareness amongst employees of their role in strengthening national resilience. 

Defence and Security

08 October 2025

Developing advanced technologies for more resilient multidomain defence structures

The European Union’s autonomy is being challenged daily and across all defence domains. The range of threats facing the EU is broadening, with direct implications for Europe’s military capability. In this context, modernising current defence systems has thus become a priority. The European project MaJor (Maintenance, Joining, and Repair innovation in multidomain defence), funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF) under the indirect management of the European Defence Agency (EDA) will address this strategic concern by developing advanced technologies destined to increase the durability of future platform designs from the air, land and sea domain.

Defence and Security

02 October 2025

NLR collaborates with Airbus on Caracal Helicopters

Royal NLR - Netherlands Aerospace Centre has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to innovate a preventive maintenance strategy supporting the new H225M Caracal helicopters purchased by the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The agreement is part of a broader Industrial Participation Agreement between the Commissariat for Military Production (CMP) of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Airbus Helicopters.

Defence and Security

08 September 2025

Future Force Design: strategic foresight for a safe society

In a world where threats are increasing and technologies are changing rapidly, it is essential to look ahead. This means anticipating the unknown and creating resilience for what is yet to come. The Future Force Design team at NLR works together with the Ministry of Defence on the Strategy and Force Development (SKMO), to develop future scenarios and make strategic choices to ensure the safety of the Netherlands.

Defence and Security

02 July 2025

A new chapter for the Royal Netherlands Air Force: 112 years of history and a leap into the future

Yesterday, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) celebrated its 112th anniversary. In addition, the name of the Air Command (CLSK) is changing to Air and Space Command (CLRS). The name change means that space exploration is becoming more prominent within the Dutch defence. For NLR, this strong commitment by the Air Force to space power means that we can further accelerate, broaden and deepen our cooperation.

Defence and Security

24 June 2025

NLR plays crucial role as partner between government and industry during NATO Summit

23 June 2025 - During the NATO summit in The Hague, Tineke van der Veen (CEO) and Martin Nagelsmit (CTO) of NLR attended the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum (#NSDIF), where defence ministers from NATO countries were present alongside experts and industry representatives. The forum focuses on improving cooperation between NATO and the defence industry.

Drones op het terrein van NLR in Marknesse
Defence and Security

27 May 2025

Accelerating drone research for Dutch Defence: the strength of an ecosystem

NLR has officially launched the Quick Response Drone Facility (QRDF). A new facility to conduct research quickly and effectively on uncrewed systems for defence. "Drones are playing an increasingly important role in aviation, for defence and also for civil applications," says Bert Thuis, Vice President Aerospace Vehicles at NLR.