Area of expertise

Defence and Security

The new ‘world order’ constantly poses new challenges for the Dutch armed forces and security services. Since technologies develop at a rapid pace, the requirements for effectiveness and flexibility of operations, systems and people are high. Short-cycle innovation and the need for autonomy for the Netherlands and Europe are playing an increasingly important role. The joint collection, processing, analysis and dissemination of information is becoming increasingly critical. The same applies to the joint, information-driven operations of more and more government services.

In collaboration with Dutch industry, NLR supports the government and the Dutch armed forces in particular. We do this with objective advice and solutions based on comprehensive knowledge of both existing and new technologies and the operational context.

Some of our projects

Counter drones

We have contributed to research aimed at strengthening components of the Dutch C-UAS protection model. Our focus has been on four key areas: we have improved understanding of sensor and effector system performance through modeling and visualisation, made decision-making moments more transparent, investigated specific intervention methods, and compiled an overview of intervention techniques and their underlying models.

Space Based Early Warning

Within the framework of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP), a feasibility study is being carried out on a European Space-Based Early Warning System. NLR is responsible for a work package that involves collaborating with three other partners to develop the on-board data processing chain of one of the sensors used in the system. The study concentrates on processing routines, data management, response times, interoperability, and integration into the overall system.