IRIA News

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The Royal Netherlands Army unveiled its plans to equip its soldiers with personal anti-drone gear, including targeting lasers and portable sensors.

This initiative aims to counter the growing threat posed by small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), which have drastically reshaped the dynamics of combat zones.

The announcement, detailed in a letter by State Secretary for Defense Gijs Tuinman to parliament last week, underscores the urgency of the matter. Drawing lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East, Tuinman highlighted that current Dutch military equipment falls short in protecting soldiers against the pervasive threat of drones.

A battlefield transformation

Drones have become an omnipresent feature of modern warfare. In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both sides rely heavily on drones for reconnaissance and targeted attacks. This underscores their role as essential tools for modern combat. First-person-view drones, capable of precision strikes against individual soldiers in foxholes or armored vehicles, exemplify the tactical advantage drones provide.

While Western armies, including the Netherlands, are relatively unaccustomed to these conditions, the urgency to adapt is undeniable. “Military personnel may increasingly face attacks or unwanted reconnaissance using small unmanned systems, including drones,” Tuinman wrote in his letter, adding that “The ability to take out UAS is essential to the security of our military and the missions and tasks they perform.”

Strategic measures

To address this pressing threat, the Dutch Defense Ministry plans to invest $52 million to $260 million in personal anti-drone equipment. This gear will include electro-optical aiming devices, portable jammers, and radio-frequency sensors. These tools aim to enhance soldiers’ ability to detect and neutralize drones, especially small and inexpensive models that are difficult to target with conventional air defense systems.

The initiative represents a shift in approach, as traditional layered air-defense systems are inefficient and costly when dealing with smaller drones. Soldiers currently rely on personal weapons or standard systems, which have “limited hit probability due to drones’ small size, high speed, and ability to hover,” according to Tuinman. By contrast, the envisioned technologies promise a significant improvement in targeting accuracy and operational efficiency.

The new anti-drone kit is designed to provide a multifaceted defense. Its key features include:

• Electro-Optical Aiming Devices: These devices, when mounted on personal weapons, improve targeting accuracy against drones at distances of up to 200 meters.
• Portable Jammers: These tools disrupt drone signals, providing an alternative means of neutralizing threats without relying on ammunition.
• Radio-Frequency Sensors: Portable sensors enable soldiers to detect potential drone threats earlier, offering critical time to respond.

Notably, experiments have shown that no single technology is sufficient to counter the drone threat comprehensively. The Dutch Defense Ministry recognizes this and plans to adopt a layered approach using a combination of assets.

Implementation Timeline

The ministry aims to procure off-the-shelf equipment, with contracts expected to be signed by February or March 2025. Deliveries will begin shortly thereafter and continue through 2028. The initial focus will be on equipping units deployed near NATO’s eastern borders, where Russian drone incursions have raised alarms. These incursions underscore the risk of drones being used for intelligence gathering or direct attacks during missions and exercises.

The Dutch initiative is part of a broader trend within NATO to enhance counter-drone capabilities. In September, the Netherlands hosted a NATO counter-UAS exercise involving 19 allies and three partner nations, including Ukraine. Participants tested over 60 systems and technologies for detecting and neutralizing drones. Belgium, Germany, and the U.K. are also investing in similar technologies, such as portable jammers and electro-optical targeting systems.

The Dutch Defense Ministry expects the anti-drone equipment to have a lifespan of up to 10 years. Recognizing the rapid pace of technological advancements in both drones and countermeasures, the ministry plans to maintain a reserve budget for future upgrades or replacements.

This investment reflects the Dutch government’s commitment to adapting its military to modern threats. By leveraging advanced technologies and collaborating with NATO allies, the Netherlands seeks to ensure its forces are prepared for the challenges of contemporary warfare.

As Tuinman stated, “The higher accuracy using the aiming aids will significantly reduce ammo use to combat drone threats, while portable jammers make it possible to combat the threat by alternative means.” The initiative not only enhances the safety of Dutch troops but also reinforces NATO’s collective defense capabilities in an era where drones are reshaping the battlefield.