Defence and Security

Defence and safety are undergoing a period of fundamental change. The rise of new technologies is changing the nature of conflict, with a growing focus on non-kinetic activities such as cyber attacks, influence through social media, and the disruption and manipulation of electromagnetic signals. These developments pose new challenges for defence organisations, making it essential to find innovative solutions to ensure safety. NLR supports Defence with knowledge and expertise to remain effective in non-kinetic operations.

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.

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.