Royal Netherlands Navy picks Destinus Hornet B2 kinetic interceptor for fleet C-UAS
The Royal Netherlands Navy has signed a concept-development and experimentation contract with Destinus to integrate the Hornet B2 kinetic counter-UAS interceptor onto naval vessels by Q2 2027. The Hornet B2 is a turbojet-powered kinetic interceptor developed by Destinus in partnership with Danish firms CUBEDIN and OMT Group. The Dutch MoD aims to field the system across its fleet to counter low-cost drone threats.
Why it matters: The Dutch fleet's adoption of a kinetic drone-killer – rather than directed-energy or expensive missiles – reflects a European bet that expendable chase-down interceptors can beat the cost curve on mass swarm threats.
Lockheed Martin wins $9.4 million contract to upgrade F-35 assembly stations at Italy's Cameri facility
Lockheed Martin will upgrade assembly stations at the F-35 final assembly facility in Cameri, Italy, under a $9.4 million contract modification. The Cameri plant is Europe's only F-35 production site and builds jets for Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.
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Netherlands and France hold first Nuclear Steering Group meeting on deterrence cooperation
The Netherlands and France held the first meeting of a new bilateral Nuclear Steering Group on October 14, opening talks on integrating French nuclear forces and European conventional forces for deterrence. The Dutch Ministry of Defence announced the meeting on October 15, emphasising that the cooperation will complement NATO's existing nuclear arrangements.
Why it matters: The Netherlands is the first non-nuclear NATO member to formalise a bilateral nuclear consultation mechanism with France. If this becomes a template for other European states hedging against U.S. extended deterrence, it rewrites the Continent's nuclear architecture without treaty revision or public debate.
Oshkosh begins building first Dutch Kaaiman expeditionary patrol vehicle for marines
Oshkosh Defense has started building the first prototype of the Dutch Expeditionary Patrol Vehicle, a version of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle designated Kaaiman, for the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. The Netherlands ordered 150 vehicles in June 2025. No delivery date for the prototype was given.
Ukrainian F-16 formerly operated by Netherlands flew over Poland en route to Belgium
A Ukrainian F-16 fighter, formerly part of the Royal Netherlands Air Force fleet, transited Polish airspace on Monday, flying over Tomaszów Lubelski, Wrocław and Legnica before crossing into Germany and heading toward Belgium, Defence24 reports.