The Netherlands has joined the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which aims to enhance combat capabilities through manned-unmanned teaming.
State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman signed a letter of intent formalizing the move, making the Royal Netherlands Air Force the first European service to join the drone wingman program.
“By signing the letter of intent, the Netherlands is demonstrating its desire to make progress with innovation and cooperation in the field of unmanned systems,” the Dutch Ministry of Defence stated.
“This is one of the 5 key areas (intelligent systems, smart materials, space, sensors, and quantum) of the Defence Strategy for Industry and Innovation, launched in April.
By joining this US development programme at this time, the Netherlands is seizing an opportunity to assume a leading role.”
Netherlands May Require Over 1,000 CCAs
Unmanned wingmen extend sensor and weapons capability and take on high-risk missions so manned aircraft can stay safer.
Moreover, such systems can be developed and produced faster and at a lower cost than traditional manned fighter aircraft.
The US Air Force program is in support of the service’s Next-Generation Air Dominance initiative, which includes a sixth-generation fighter conducting complex missions alongside unmanned platforms.
Joining the program will grant the Netherlands full access to the in-development program, allowing Dutch officials to incorporate requirements specific to the European theater, Tuinman reportedly said.
He added that the country could require more than 1,000 CCA platforms in the near future.
European CCA
The development follows a series of recent announcements by drone manufacturers regarding European CCA platforms, including Kratos, Airbus, Anduril, Rheinmetall, and General Atomics.
In anticipation of rising demand, Pratt & Whitney is developing a new family of propulsion systems for CCA platforms, offering scalable thrust ranging from 500 to 1,800 pounds (227 to 816 kilograms).
Acknowledging the interest, Tuinman said the partnership could open a pathway for US companies to enter the European market.
“I also want to express that the Netherlands is like the jumping pad for the United States to get into Europe,” he was quoted as saying.
In addition to the Netherlands, Japan and Australia have also announced plans to join the program.
