The partnership includes the development and construction of a state-of-the-art near-field test site with an anechoic chamber. It also covers training facilities, expanded production of complex printed circuit boards and the construction of an additional radar test tower.
Thales said the agreement would enable its Dutch operations to increase antenna production by an additional 60% between 2025 and 2028. The expansion is intended to meet growing demand for critical radar capabilities as the Netherlands and Europe respond to a more complex global security environment.
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has identified an urgent need to increase the availability and scalability of radar systems needed to protect the Netherlands and Europe. The ministry is acting as shareholder and customer, while also enabling other countries to acquire radar systems from Thales under Dutch procurement contracts.
Thales in the Netherlands is the original equipment manufacturer for a wide range of radar systems. The company has supported the operational readiness of Dutch and international armed forces for more than 100 years.
The agreement directly supports the Netherlands’ commitment to strengthening European defence capabilities. Thales said investment in additional facilities would help secure the availability of world-class radar systems for national, international and G2G customers.
“The Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Thales have been working together on the development and international G2G sales of best-in-class radar systems. By expanding our cooperation to the ramp-up of test-and integration facilities, we are ensuring that the Dutch armed forces accelerate in our task to contribute decisively to the protection of Europe.” Derk Boswijk, Minister of Arms Procurement, The Netherlands.
“Through this unique partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, we will further strengthen our position as a trusted partner in national and European security. By investing in additional facilities, we ensure the autonomy, resilience and technical edge of the armed forces for years to come.” Otto de Bont, CEO Thales in the Netherlands.
The partnership combines Dutch defence requirements with Thales’ radar production and testing capabilities in Hengelo. It is intended to support higher output, stronger testing capacity and continued development of advanced radar systems for the Netherlands and partner countries.
