- Thales has signed a strategic partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to expand radar production, development and testing capacity in Hengelo
- The company plans to invest in a near-field test site, expanded printed circuit board manufacturing and an additional radar test tower
- The agreement is expected to boost Thales’ radar antenna production capacity by 60 percent between 2025 and 2028
Thales and the Netherlands Ministry of Defence have signed a strategic partnership agreement to expand radar production, development and testing capacity in Hengelo, supporting growing demand for advanced radar systems and strengthening European defense capabilities.
Thales said Monday it will invest in new production and testing infrastructure, including a near-field test site with an anechoic chamber, expanded printed circuit board manufacturing facilities and an additional radar test tower. The initiative is expected to help increase the company’s radar antenna production capacity by 60 percent between 2025 and 2028.
How Will the Partnership Expand Dutch Radar Manufacturing Capacity?
The collaboration is intended to enhance the availability and scalability of radar systems for the Dutch armed forces and international government customers.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence said the agreement supports the country’s efforts to strengthen European defense readiness amid a changing global security environment.
“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,” said Derk Boswijk, the Netherlands’ minister of arms procurement.
What Investments Will Thales Make Under the Agreement?
According to Thales, the partnership includes the construction of advanced testing infrastructure and production facilities designed to support the development and manufacture of next-generation radar systems.
Otto de Bont, CEO of Thales in the Netherlands, said the investments will strengthen the company’s role as a supplier of radar capabilities for national and European security missions.
“By investing in additional facilities, we ensure the autonomy, resilience and technical edge of the armed forces for years to come,” de Bont said.
How Does the Agreement Support Thales’ Defense Business?
The partnership builds on Thales’ long-standing relationship with the Dutch military and comes as European nations increase investments in defense modernization.
In March, Thales secured a contract from Naval Group to provide a sonar suite for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s future Orka-class submarines. The company said the sonar package will equip the submarines with advanced underwater sensing and communications capabilities as part of the Netherlands’ submarine modernization effort.
