Defence and Security

Defence and Security

15 October 2026

Skunk Works and Royal NLR expand strategic collaboration

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT) and the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) announced a broadening of their strategic partnership today 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.

F35 in de lucht
Defence and Security

02 July 2026

NLR Portfolio: Innovations for Military Capabilities

For over a century, Royal NLR has been a dedicated and knowledge-based innovator. Proud of our royal predicate, we act as a strategic partner for the entire Netherlands Defence organisation.
We focus on timely capability development to bolster national security. We build operational flexibility directly into defence systems through sustainable solutions, ranging from alternative energy to unmanned vehicles. When rapidly evolving threats emerge, our 'fast innovation lane' quickly adapts civil technology for immediate military use. This forward-thinking approach extends to mobility as well. We are shaping the future of transport by integrating aviation with other networks and pioneering smaller, electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Defence and Security

04 June 2026

The human element behind future-proof defence

In a world filled with uncertainty, technological acceleration, and complex multi-domain conflicts, designing future-proof military capabilities poses  a significant challenge. Wargaming offers a powerful means of  exposing assumptions, testing ideas, and stimulating critical thinking. A recently published article in the JAPCC Journal, co-authored by Antoine de Reus (NLR) and Lieutenant Colonel Gwendolyn Bakx (Royal Netherlands Air Force), explores the human factor behind future-proof defence.

Defence and Security

08 May 2026

NLR-Marknesse host of NATO exercise TIE26

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.

Defence and Security

06 May 2026

NLR contributes to helicopter of the future

Several NATO member states are looking to commission the development of a new type of helicopter. This is intended to replace the current medium-lift helicopters in ten to fifteen years’ time. As part of one of the exploratory projects, led by the Italian company Leonardo, experts from NLR have conducted an in-depth analysis of the concept of a tiltrotor helicopter. The results of that research were presented this week at the Vertical Flight Society’s 82nd Annual Forum & Technology Display, a major trade conference in the United States.

Defence and Security

02 April 2026

Defence strengthens units with drone and counter‑drone capability

The Ministry of Defence is taking a major step forward in the further development of the Dutch armed forces by officially integrating drones and anti-drone capabilities into combat units. During Drone Day in Oirschot (NL), it became clear just how important Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have become for modern military operations. This development is the result of intensive collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, research institutions and the Dutch drone industry.

Defence and Security

28 January 2026

Innovation and safety: the future of non-kinetic operations

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.