TNO and Destinus plan a joint venture to advance radar seeker technology for European defence

Critical sensing technology for interceptor systems

Through the intended joint venture, TNO and Destinus will develop, test, and industrialize advanced radar technology — also known as RF seekers — for interceptor systems. The active RF seeker, roughly the size of an ice hockey puck, effectively serves as the ‘eyes’ of a modern precision interceptor. It supports distinguishing targets from countermeasures (decoys) and continues to operate reliably under changing conditions, including at night and in poor weather. The technology is intended to enhance the terminal sensing layer of interceptor systems. Decisions on deployment and engagement remain under human control and within applicable doctrines and legal frameworks.

Within the joint venture, TNO will focus on developing and validating technological concepts, architectures, and knowledge. Destinus will be responsible for system design, engineering, integration, industrialisation, and and integration into deployable air defence systems into deployable air defence systems. The first demonstration products are expected to be realised early next year. The establishment of the joint venture is subject to relevant approvals, including from regulatory authorities.

Significant opportunities for Dutch technology base

‘The geopolitical situation requires Europe to strengthen its defence technological and industrial base,’ said Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, CEO of TNO. ‘Success will not only be determined by who can build the most platforms, but by who controls the critical technologies that make those platforms effective, robust, and reliable. By making technology available earlier and at scale, this joint venture creates important opportunities for Dutch high-tech companies to produce, integrate, and scale technologies that are vital to European defence capability.’

‘Advanced seekers are among the most critical guidance technologies in modern air defence,’ said Tim Moser, Group CTO of Destinus. ‘Radar seekers are essential because they enhance performance in conditions where purely optical systems have limitations, such as low visibility, weather effects, and more complex target environments. Together with TNO, we can integrate deep radar expertise into a system architecture that Destinus can design, industrialise, and scale for European air defence.’

Acceleration in a changing geopolitical landscape

Europe faces the challenge of becoming less dependent on other regions for critical technologies and defence capabilities. At the same time, the pace at which new systems must be developed, validated, and deployed is increasing. TNO and Destinus address this by bringing development, validation, and scaling closer together in a joint venture in which technology development and industrialisation are integrated from the outset.

From TNO–Defence letter of intent to industrial cooperation

The announcement of the joint venture follows the recently signed letter of intent between the Ministry of Defence and TNO. This agreement aims to translate research and development more rapidly into concrete applications and to build strategic positions in international defence and dual-use value chains, thereby accelerating the development of high-tech military capabilities.

Derk Boswijk: ‘Current geopolitical developments underline the need for rapid innovation and scaling of our defence industry. Now is the time to move forward: less talk, more action. This requires close cooperation between knowledge institutions, industry, and Defence, with concrete products and results as the goal. This collaboration between TNO and Destinus aligns perfectly with Defence policy, and we therefore fully support it.’