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Dutch Ministry of Defense and GA-ASI Agree To Develop New SUAS

The new unmanned aircraft system will be designed to provide ISR capabilities.

GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue (left) and Dutch Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel Gijs Tuinman (right) sign an agreement. Credit: GA-ASI

The Dutch Ministry of Defense (MoD) and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) signed an agreement Thursday to develop a small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) designed to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

According to a GA-ASI press release, the low-cost platform will be able to host several different payloads and capabilities, and the goal is to scale the platform up to high-volume production.

“This contract is 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,” GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue said in the release.

The Dutch MoD will work with GA-ASI to first establish an unmanned aircraft system manufacturing capability, the release stated.

“Together with GA, we will be increasing innovative SUAS capabilities and advancing technical knowhow in the Netherlands. This project is an example of strategic transatlantic 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,” said Gijs Tuinman, minister for arms procurement and personnel.

GA-ASI has selected VDL Defentec, a Netherlands company that specializes in the development and production of military vehicles and special platforms, to provide contract manufacturing of the new SUAS, which they will create together.

According to the release, the companies expect to fly the new aircraft before the end of the year and begin initial low-rate production in the United States and the Netherlands in 2026.

“We are excited, having been selected by General Atomics, and we are proud to support the Dutch MoD to create, together with GA-ASI, this unique capability for the Netherlands, making our country and our allies more resilient,” said Paul Malcontent, managing director of VDL Defentec.