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

2 minutes read

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.

The name change from CLSK to CLRS marks a significant step in the development of our own defence and national security. The CLRS will operate in a rapidly changing world with dynamic conflicts, where a strong information position is of great importance. Last week, the first of the four SAR satellites was launched, which makes it possible to take detailed images of the Earth’s surface under all weather conditions, even with clouds and in the dark. It is the first fully military operational satellite for the Netherlands, following the earlier in-orbit demonstrator missions Brik-II and MilSpace2.

Ahead of the threat

Through the strong cooperation between NLR and CLRS, as well as other branches of the armed forces, we are strengthening our national security and developing the military capabilities of the Netherlands.

“We congratulate CLRS on their commitment to the space domain. NLR is committed as a partner to help CLRS stay Ahead of the Threat, since 1919 in air power and now also in space power,” says Michel Keuning, Director Space at NLR.

Recently, NLR, TNO and SpaceNed presented the proposition ‘Military use of Space’ to the State Secretary of Defence, a proposal for the development of high-quality satellite systems to guarantee national security and strengthen the military capabilities of the Netherlands. The Dutch industry also plays an important role in developing and implementing high-quality space solutions. As a link in these collaborations, NLR plays a crucial role in preventing the Netherlands from becoming blind and deaf to current and future threats.

Looking at the future

While we celebrate the 112th anniversary of the Royal Netherlands Air Force today and mark the name change from CLSK to CLRS, we are also looking to the future. A future where air and space are inextricably linked and where innovation and cooperation are the key to success. Organisations such as NLR and TNO work closely with Defence and industry and SMEs to make the Netherlands safer and more resilient. Accelerating the future of aerospace, stronger together for a better tomorrow. We congratulate the Air Force and look forward to an even better cooperation.

Latest news

28 July 2025

Knowledge institutions join forces for integrated research  

Ten leading knowledge institutions, including Deltares, KNMI, Marin, NLR, RIVM, TNO, Wageningen Research, Naturalis, NFI and RCE, are joining forces and realising DigiLab Applied Knowledge in close cooperation. This programme, supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, focuses on setting up a innovative, digital research facility . DigiLab Applied Knowledge facilitates the exchange of advanced data, models, computing power and algorithms, helping knowledge institutions develop integrated solutions to complex, societal issues.  

Safety and Human performance

09 July 2025

Effectiveness of flight time limitations for aircrew members

The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and its partners have completed a comprehensive research study on the effectiveness of current EU flight duty time limitations and rest requirements for aircrew members. The study, known as FTL2.0, aimed to assess whether current regulations provide sufficient protection against fatigue among aircrew members. The results of this research study have deepened the understanding of fatigue risks in commercial aviation and validated the current regulatory approach.

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.