Netherlands launches C-UAS challenge

The Netherlands has launched a competition to develop a new tactical counter-UAS (C-UAS) system that defeats class II drones.

Specifically, the competition – Counter-UAS CLASS II Tactical Challenge – is calling for systems that can counter tactical UAS weighing between 150-400kg, according to the tender notice issued by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) on the EU’s tender platform on 26 February.

Interested suppliers are invited to submit their proposals before the deadline on 23 March. Valued at EUR24 million, the challenge will involve several stages, beginning with a feasibility to prove the concepts, followed by a prototype phase.

Pending the success of these phases, a chosen prototype will be further developed, with a view of adding it to the “range of military-ready C-UAS” at the military’s disposal.

This challenge follows other recent activities from the Netherlands to develop C-UAS capabilities, including a EUR3.7 million initiative to develop counter-strike drones in November 2025.

This sought to identify very early-stage innovations, including those that may have been in the planning stages at the time of the procedure’s release. Solutions provided under the challenge are planned to participate in the country’s ‘Fighting Lion’ C-UAS exercise in June. 

Both highlight that the Netherlands is continuing to invest in C-UAS and is adopting a challenge-based approach to procurement.  

These developments follow a series of drone incursions within the country and its neighbours in November, which disrupted air traffic control. Such operations have been widely attributed to Russia, prompting calls for greater C-UAS protection around critical infrastructure.