Dutch Navy to Equip Fleet with Destinus C-UAS Interceptor Drones
The Royal Netherlands Navy plans to equip its warships with Destinus' Hornet B2 interceptor drones to counter low-cost aerial threats like Houthi drones. The system uses a rocket-boosted launch, electric cruise flight, and AI-based sensing for cost-effective interception. The program includes delivery, integration, and support for initial operating capability by Q2 2027, with the Dutch Navy contributing operational expertise to shape development.
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Royal Netherlands Navy to Integrate Destinus Hornet C-UAS on Surface Ships
The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) has announced plans to integrate Destinus' containerized drone interceptor, known as the Hornet C-UAS, onto its surface fleet ships. This counter-unmanned aircraft system is designed to protect naval vessels from drone threats. The integration will involve placing the system in a containerized format for easy deployment on various ship classes. The move aims to enhance the defensive capabilities of the Dutch surface fleet against evolving aerial drone attacks. The announcement was made via Naval Technology, highlighting a step forward in naval force protection.
Dutch Navy to equip fleet with Destinus C-UAS interceptor drones
The Royal Netherlands Navy has announced plans to equip its warships with a new counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability based on Destinus' Hornet B2 interceptor drone. The program, slated for completion by the second quarter of 2027, includes delivery of interceptors, integration with several warships, and support toward initial operating capability. The Dutch Ministry of Defence cited the increasing threat of medium-range drones in maritime operations, noting that navies cannot sustainably fire expensive missiles at low-cost threats. The Hornet B2 uses a rocket booster for launch, then transitions to electric-powered cruise flight, employing electro-optical/infrared sensing and AI-based processing for terminal engagement. Destinus CEO Mikhail Kokorich emphasized that low-cost aerial threats have inverted naval air defense economics. The Dutch Navy will contribute operational expertise during development to reduce post-development adaptation needs.
Dutch Navy to Equip Fleet with Destinus C-UAS Interceptor Drones
The Royal Netherlands Navy plans to equip its fleet with a new counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability based on interceptor drones from defense firm Destinus. The program will use the Hornet B2 interceptor, launched from a sealed canister by a rocket booster before transitioning to electric-powered cruise flight. The system is designed to intercept low-cost, one-way attack drones using electro-optical and infrared sensing with AI-based processing, at a cost far below traditional interceptor missiles. The Dutch Ministry of Defence cited the increasing threat of drones at medium range during maritime operations, noting that navies cannot sustainably fire multimillion-euro missiles at cheap threats. The program includes delivery of interceptors, integration with several warships, and support toward an initial operating capability, with completion slated for the second quarter of 2027. The Dutch Navy will contribute operational expertise throughout development to shape requirements and reduce post-development adaptation needs.
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Dutch Navy to equip fleet with Destinus C-UAS interceptor drones
The Royal Netherlands Navy plans to equip its fleet with a new counter-UAS capability based on interceptor drones from defense firm Destinus. The program will deliver Hornet B2 interceptors, integrate them with several warships, and support an initial operating capability, with completion slated for the second quarter of 2027. The Dutch Ministry of Defence cited the increasing threat of medium-range drones during maritime operations, noting that low-cost aerial threats have inverted the economics of naval air defense. The system uses a rocket-boosted launch from a sealed canister, then transitions to electric-powered cruise flight, employing electro-optical and infrared sensing with AI-based processing for terminal interception. The Dutch Navy will contribute operational expertise throughout development to shape requirements and reduce post-development adaptation needs.
Dutch Navy to equip fleet with Destinus C-UAS interceptor drones
The Royal Netherlands Navy plans to equip its fleet with a new counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capability based on interceptor drones from defense firm Destinus. The program will use the Hornet B2 interceptor, launched from a sealed canister by a rocket booster before transitioning to electric-powered cruise flight. The system is designed to intercept low-cost, high-volume aerial threats using electro-optical and infrared sensing with AI-based processing. The Dutch Ministry of Defence cited the increasing threat of drones at medium range during maritime operations, noting that Western navies have been firing expensive missiles at cheap Houthi drones in the Red Sea. The program includes delivery of interceptors, integration with several warships, and support toward initial operating capability, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2027. The Dutch Navy will contribute operational expertise throughout development to shape requirements and reduce post-development adaptation.
Dutch Navy to equip fleet with Destinus C-UAS interceptor drones
The Royal Netherlands Navy plans to equip its fleet with a new counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability based on Destinus' Hornet B2 interceptor drone. The program, announced on August 25, 2026, includes delivery of interceptors, integration with several warships, and support toward an initial operating capability, with completion slated for the second quarter of 2027. The Dutch Ministry of Defence cited the increasing threat of medium-range drones during maritime operations, noting that low-cost aerial threats have inverted the economics of naval air defense. The Hornet B2 is launched from a sealed canister via rocket booster, transitions to electric cruise flight, and uses electro-optical/infrared sensing with AI-based processing for terminal interception at a fraction of the cost of traditional missiles. The Dutch Navy will contribute operational expertise to shape requirements and reduce post-development adaptation. This follows similar moves by the U.S. Navy, which has installed Coyote interceptors on destroyers.