Collins Aerospace has partnered with the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force (RNLASF) to establish a new military avionics service center to boost operational readiness for European F-35 and CH-47F fleets.
The facility will provide repair, maintenance, and supply chain management under a multi-decade government-owned, contractor-operated arrangement. It is expected to achieve initial depot capability in 2026.
Located at the RNLASF Air Support Command base, the center will integrate Collins’ depot-level expertise with its global military services network.
It will complement the existing F-35 pilot readiness center in Soesterberg and Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engine depot, creating a full lifecycle sustainment solution for Dutch forces.
This approach ensures faster turnaround for avionics repairs, improved fleet availability, and enhanced readiness in increasingly complex operational and contested environments.
RNLASF Lieutenant General André Steur emphasized the importance of positioning resources to maintain “Fight tonight, Fight tomorrow, Fight together” readiness, highlighting the role of partnerships with manufacturers in sustaining modernized weapon systems.
Other Developments in Dutch Military Avionics
Over the past year, the Netherlands has accelerated multiple initiatives to modernize its military avionics capabilities.
Collins Aerospace has expanded its European footprint by integrating advanced diagnostics and repair technologies for F-35s, complementing digital maintenance solutions introduced by RNLASF last year.
Meanwhile, Thales Nederland has upgraded avionics for Dutch NH90 helicopters, incorporating new navigation, communication, and mission systems that improve interoperability with NATO partners.
In addition, Amsterdam participated in joint European exercises to test the integration of networked avionics across allied platforms, focusing on secure data sharing, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare resilience.
