Sky-Watch A/S has secured a public procurement contract with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to deliver a program-level number of unmanned aerial vehicle systems in 2026.
Managed by the Material and IT Command (COMMIT), the agreement spans the initial hardware delivery followed by a seven-year support program. Sky-Watch will be responsible for the delivery, integration, operational deployment, and long-term readiness of these systems within the Dutch forces. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence selected the RQ-35 Heidrun platform for company-level intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations to support NATO-aligned missions requiring reliable, real-time intelligence at the tactical edge.
The selection of the system was based on several technical and operational criteria, including proven performance in GNSS-denied environments and high target positioning accuracy with low Target Location Error. The platform features a software-defined architecture that enables continuous capability upgrades without hardware replacement cycles, alongside a European supply chain that supports security of supply and long-term availability. Additionally, the system provides safe and intuitive operation for rapid deployment, a reduced training burden, secure and encrypted communications, and robust performance in electromagnetic interference environments.
Customers stated, “The selection of the RQ-35 Heidrun reflects its strong operational performance and proven reliability in real-world deployments. The system delivered consistent performance in contested and GNSS-denied environments and met our requirements for reliability, usability, and long-term sustainability. Its European supply base and support model are also key factors.”
The RQ-35 Heidrun is a combat-proven ISR platform with extensive operational use in Ukraine. Built on a software-defined architecture, the platform enables continuous capability evolution through controlled software updates, allowing operators to adapt rapidly to changing battlefield conditions. This procurement reflects a broader trend among NATO countries toward prioritizing operationally proven systems over specification-based procurement, seeking greater resilience in contested environments, and strengthening European defense industrial capabilities. Sky-Watch, a leading European defense technology company, is part of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRO).
“This agreement confirms Sky-Watch’s ability to deliver and sustain mission-critical ISR capabilities in demanding operational environments,” said Martin Schousboe, CEO of SkyWatch A/S. “Being selected through open competition against leading U.S. and European suppliers reinforces our operational credibility and our ability to execute complex programs end-to-end, from delivery and integration to long-term support.”
