TNO active in the field of drones (UAS & C-UAS)
In recent years, uncrewed systems, particularly aerial drones (Uncrewed Aerial Systems - UAS), have come to play a decisive role in both civilian and military environments. The rapid development of UAS technology, driven in part by the war in Ukraine, clearly demonstrates its impact on military effectiveness, security and information superiority. Drones have become essential reconnaissance tools, weapon platforms and logistical assets.
For the Netherlands, this means that Defence and security organisations face a strategic challenge:
- Protecting against hostile drones
- Operating more effectively with drones
- Leading in innovation, ensuring that we as a country do not become dependent on foreign technology
For the Netherlands, this means that the ecosystem of Defence, security organisations, innovation partners such as TNO and industry faces a strategic challenge:
- Protecting against hostile drones
- Operating more effectively with drones
- Leading in innovation, ensuring that we as a country do not become dependent on foreign technology
TNO Drone Day
At the Drone Day on 1 April 2026, the ambition of the Royal Netherlands Army, and in particular the Task Force Drones, to develop a Dutch ecosystem that ‘dominates the drone space’ took centre stage. TNO plays a key role in this.
- Our independence
- Our research capabilities
- Our ability to connect industry, Defence and government
This is reflected, for example, in TNO's role as a driver of technological innovation and development, and as an independent assessor in C-UAS challenges within the wider Dutch UAS ecosystem.
TNO deploys a broad spectrum of UAS and C-UAS expertise, ranging from detection technologies (Radio Frequency, Electro-Optical/Infrared, radar and acoustic systems) to advanced mitigation solutions (High Energy Lasers and High Power Microwave systems), sensor fusion, automated situational awareness and understanding, Positioning, Navigation and Timing technologies, autonomous decision-making and mission management.
Drone Day
During the Drone Day on 1 April 2026, a number of technologies and demonstrators were presented that have been and are being developed in collaboration with TNO:
- UAS detection and mitigation technologies
- Mission management for autonomous systems (mission planning and execution, payload control, detection, tracking and classification)
- Sensor fusion and navigation solutions for environments where GPS-like technologies are unavailable or subject to interference
- Concepts for enhanced UAS and C-UAS deployment directly derived from observations in Ukraine, experiments and exercises
These demonstrations are not merely a showcase; they contribute directly to the development of a strong, innovative and integrated UAS ecosystem for the Dutch armed forces.
'Continuously ensuring that we can maintain the upper hand in a drone-intensive conflict is our shared challenge. TNO is a knowledge institution that also develops technology and businesses. Especially now. Our role is to bring "Innovation at the Front Line". Our 80-year partnership with Defence means that we are fully committed to supporting them.'
Contact us
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Maarten Lörtzer
Functie:Press officerSpokesperson for corporate affairs, defense & security, mobility & logistics, circular economy and air quality.
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Standplaats:Den Haag - New Babylon
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Telefoon:+31 6 20 42 07 32
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Email:Email Maarten
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LinkedIn:Maarten on LinkedIn
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