Thales to Manufacture Advanced Radar Systems in Netherlands

Thales has created an alliance with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to start the manufacturing process for advanced radar systems in the city of Hengelo.

This will help develop operational resilience and efficiency throughout European defence manufacturing. 

Advanced radar system capabilities 

To support the radar systems, the collaboration will investigate development, testing and production capacities within Thales’ plants.

Key initiatives include:

• Building a new test tower and establishing a test site equipped with an anechoic chamber
• Increasing the manufacturing output of intricate printed circuit boards
• Ensuring the availability of dedicated training facilities

Due to the collaboration, Thales expects to see an increase in its total antenna production by an additional 60% between 2025 and 2028.

Otto de Bont, CEO of Thales, explains the new partnership: "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.”

This partnership facilitates the Netherlands Ministry of Defence's direct access to domestic, international and government-to-government (G2G) clients. Furthermore, it reinforces the Dutch government's dedication to strengthening European defensive capabilities within a dynamic social environment. 

Derk Boswijk, Minister of Arms Procurement, The Netherlands, adds: “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.” 

Thales has consistently supported the Dutch and international armed forces for more than 100 years. Due to an increase in technological advances and shifting global security priorities, the Dutch Ministry of Defence wants to have critical radar capabilities prepared for the protection of the Netherlands and Europe. Other countries have the opportunity to acquire radar systems from Thales under Dutch procurement contracts.

Thales dedicates billions in revenue toward critical environments, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. The group has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries and generated sales of €22.1bn (US$25.1bn) in 2025.

Automotive endeavours 

In addition to its work in sophisticated radar systems, Thales has collaborated with Renault Group to develop the 4 TROOP. This prototype, a hybrid 4x4 multi-role civil vehicle (VCMR), is designed to serve as a mobile command center.

"With the VCMR, which draws on the extensive range of Renault Group platforms, we are exploring a pragmatic, sovereign approach to operational mobility to quickly address new armed forces requirements and enhance the ability to anticipate developments and take action in the theatre of operations," shares Franck Naro, Engineering Vice President of Vehicle Projects and Operations at Renault Group.

“Building on tried-and-trusted civil platforms and our industrial production capacity, we are proposing an agile, resilient capability that can be mobilised immediately.”

Renault maintains that by integrating its electronic features with Thales's sophisticated technology, defense vehicles can be manufactured for swift deployment while keeping costs to a minimum.