Dutch Mobile Anti Drone Fix Before Skyranger Arrives

The Netherlands is rushing to build a mobile anti drone system after seeing how fast drones are reshaping modern war. As reported by Defense News, Dutch officials want something that troops can use right now while they wait for the first Rheinmetall Skyranger 30 units, which will not arrive until 2028.

State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman explained the urgency in a letter to parliament. He said drones are now responsible for most front line casualties in Ukraine. That reality is forcing European armies to search for quick fixes. France already built one by placing an old 20 mm cannon on a light truck and the Netherlands is taking a similar path.

The new system will be built from existing military parts: a wheeled armored vehicle, a remote controlled weapon station, ammunition and a combat management system. Everything will be tied together to create a mobile tool that can shoot down drones and protect Dutch infantry on the move.

The Ministry of Defence is not sharing delivery dates or quantities. Officials say it is a matter of operational security. They are also not naming suppliers yet. The integration partner is still under review.

Stop Gap Now, Skyranger Later

The Netherlands has already ordered 22 Skyranger 30 units from Rheinmetall. These are advanced air defense systems made for drone and missile threats. But the debut comes in 2028. The fast built mobile systems will stay in service even after the Skyranger arrives. Dutch leaders say both capabilities are needed.

This urgency is influenced by real events. Europe is reporting more unidentified drones near military sites and critical infrastructure. Poland, Romania, and other NATO partners have seen drones linked to Russia. Over the weekend, the Netherlands reported unknown drones flying over Volkel Air Base and Eindhoven Airport.

To deal with these risks, the Dutch plan to buy IRIS anti drone radars, new patrol vehicles with remote weapons, and more portable and vehicle mounted C UAS systems. They also want interceptor drones for active pursuit.

The Ministry of Defence is applying the lessons learned from Ukraine. Fast detection. Fast reaction. More layers of defense. Cheaper kinetic options. More mobility.

Plans for Naval Hard Kill Defense

The Dutch Navy also wants new hard kill anti drone systems. Right now, ships use jamming or expensive missiles and that creates a gap. Not every ship has a direct way to kill a drone at medium range: missiles cost a lot and are limited in number.

The Navy wants something between close range guns and long range missiles. A system that can stop drones without wasting high value munitions. The budget for this project is between 250 million and 1 billion euros. They should check the new energy Dragonfire weapon that costs $13 per shot. More details will go to parliament in the spring of 2026.

Tuinman wrote that naval vessels need this capability to survive future threats. Drone technology is evolving fast, medium range drone attacks are growing. A layered defense at sea is no longer optional.

DroneXL’s Take

Europe is scrambling to close its drone defense gaps. Ukraine proved that cheap drones can damage modern armies. Nations that do not adapt will fall behind fast. The Dutch plan is simple but smart. Build something that works today while the advanced systems mature. Expect more countries to follow this path as drone warfare keeps evolving at high speed.

Photo credit: Rheinmetall and Sentrycs