General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has signed an agreement with the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) to jointly develop new defense capabilities, beginning with a small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) designed for multi-role intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The agreement, signed on October 16 in Washington, outlines a plan to create a low-cost, modular platform capable of carrying various payloads for different operational needs. The partnership also includes establishing production capacity in the Netherlands to support future large-scale manufacturing.
GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue described the deal as “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.”
Dutch Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel Gijs Tuinman emphasized the collaborative and technological significance of the project: “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.”
As part of the agreement, GA-ASI selected VDL Defentec, a Dutch company specializing in military vehicle production and engineering as the contract manufacturer for the SUAS. VDL Defentec’s Managing Director, Paul Malcontent, said the company is “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 first flight of the new unmanned aircraft is planned before the end of 2025, with initial low-rate production scheduled to begin in 2026 in both the U.S. and the Netherlands.
