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.

Defence and Security

21 May 2025

Launch of QRDF: rapid drone innovations for Defence

21 May 2025, Marknesse – The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) is launching the Quick Response Drone Facility (QRDF) in Marknesse today. This facility contributes to the broader ambition of Dutch Ministry of Defence to become a pioneer in the field of unmanned systems, together with industry and knowledge institutions. The Minister of Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, was present to support the importance of the QRDF facility and reaffirm the ambition to innovate more quickly.

Maintenance and Repair

28 March 2025

Force Life Management

With a unique combination of expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, we are equipped to design and execute comprehensive on-board loads and usage measurement campaigns for a wide range of military assets, from aircraft and helicopters to engines, landing gears, and supporting subsystems. Our capabilities extend beyond data collection, as we also possess the necessary hardware, expertise, and experience to store, process, analyse, and interpret the vast amounts of data generated by these campaigns. By leveraging advanced tools and techniques, such as modal analysis, fatigue strength calculations, and finite element modelling, we can provide actionable insights into the dynamic behaviour and structural integrity of these complex systems, ultimately informing maintenance, repair, and overhaul strategies to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Training and Simulation

28 March 2025

Live Virtual Constructive

Conducting seamless LVC exercises remains one of the most challenging issues for modern Air Forces. There is a lack of interoperability, limited reuse and loose integration between live, virtual and constructive assets. Our team offers a comprehensive range of user-oriented training concepts and solutions regarding LVC training development, integrated service-oriented architectures, and data exchange technologies. With a focus on downsizing where possible and delivering fit-for-purpose training solutions, we leverage our expertise in education and training, combined with cutting-edge technological knowledge, to provide expert advice on the optimal employment of Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) training solutions.