General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) have entered into an agreement to jointly develop advanced defense technologies, beginning with a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) optimized for multi-role Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Designed as a low-cost platform, the new sUAS will support a wide range of mission payloads and operational capabilities. The collaboration also aims to establish a scalable business model, enabling high-volume production to meet growing defense and security demands.
GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue said, “This contract is the first step in a strategic partnership with the Dutch MoD that will ultimately contribute to the defense of Ukraine and NATO by creating a versatile European defense system.
GA-ASI is the world leader in UAS products and capabilities. The company is building on its established relationship with the Netherlands to create an urgently needed partnership to help defend Europe.
As part of the first phase of the contract, the Dutch MoD will collaborate with GA-ASI to establish UAS manufacturing capability.
Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel Gijs Tuinman said, “Together with GA we will be increasing innovative SUAS capabilities and advancing technical knowhow in the Netherlands. This project is an example of strategic trans-Atlantic collaboration that supports our defense and technological base as we contribute to the defense of Ukraine and NATO by creating a versatile European defense system and working with a strong U.S. partner.”
VDL Defentec has been selected by GA-ASI to provide contract manufacturing of the new sUAS. VDL Defentec is based in the Netherlands and specializes in the development, engineering, subcontracting and production of military and special-purpose vehicles and other platforms. GA-ASI will work closely with VDL and provide detailed knowledge about the design, manufacture, logistics, and support of the new sUAS.
Paul Malcontent, Managing Director of VDL Defentec, added, “We are excited having been selected by General Atomics and we are proud to support Dutch MOD to create, together with GA-ASI, this unique capability for the Netherlands making our country and our allies more resilient.”
The new aircraft is expected to fly before the end of this year with low-rate initial production expected to commence in 2026 in both the U.S. and the Netherlands.
