Thales to expand radar manufacturing capacity in Netherlands

June 22, 2026, by Adnan Durakovic

Thales and the Ministry of Defense in the Netherlands have signed a strategic partnership agreement to expand radar production and test capacity.

As disclosed, this partnership will cover the development and construction of a new test site with an anechoic chamber, printed circuit board production facilities, and an additional radar test tower.

The agreement is intended to support higher production availability and scalability of radar capabilities for Dutch and international customers under government-to-government (G2G) procurement arrangements.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense, acting both as customer and shareholder, will facilitate the broader export of radar systems produced under Dutch contracts, enabling deliveries to partner countries. The initiative is linked to efforts to strengthen European defense capabilities amid rising security concerns.

Thales, which has long provided radar systems to the Dutch and international armed forces, will invest in additional facilities to support development, testing, and integration of systems for current and future demand.

“The Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Thales have been working together on the development and international G2G sales of best-in-class radar systems. By expanding our cooperation to the ramp-up of test-and integration facilities, we are ensuring that the Dutch armed forces accelerate in our task to contribute decisively to the protection of Europe,” Derk Boswijk, Minister of Arms Procurement, the Netherlands, said.

“Through this unique partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, we will further strengthen our position as a trusted partner in national and European security. By investing in additional facilities, we ensure the autonomy, resilience and technical edge of the armed forces for years to come,” Otto de Bont, CEO Thales in the Netherlands, commented.