Defence develops laser to counter drone swarms
The Dutch project includes a prototype powerful laser and an additional low-cost system against drones.
Defence is expanding its drone-countering programme with a prototype powerful laser. The system is not yet an operational weapon, but is to be developed and tested as a complement to radar, electronic disruption and conventional air defence.
The 2026 Defence Projects Overview states that development of a High Energy Laser has been expanded. The project also includes a cheaper system against drones that can be integrated into various remotely operated weapons systems. Contracts for both developments were awarded to the Australian company Electro Optic Systems in 2025 and 2026.
A laser can disable drones without using ammunition. This makes the technology particularly interesting against cheap drones or swarms, where missiles or cannon fire can be relatively expensive. The advantage, however, depends on distance, visibility, power supply, cooling and the ability to track a target for long enough.
Defence is not testing the technology in isolation. The armed forces are simultaneously working on broader counter-UAS capabilities. According to the project overview, the first other anti-drone systems were received in 2026, mobile and static systems for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom have been ordered, and radars from Robin Radar have been delivered.
The project also has an industrial component. The Netherlands is not developing the laser itself, but is providing knowledge and technology related to integration, energy and systems. Defence writes that South Korea wants to acquire a similar prototype together with Dutch industry. Such collaborations could give Dutch companies access to a growing market for detecting and defending against drones.
The operational status should not be overstated. The project overview refers to the development and testing of a prototype. A working demonstration model does not yet mean that the armed forces possess a broadly deployable laser system or that the technology works reliably in all weather conditions.
The deployment is also a separate legal and administrative issue. A system that independently detects and disables a target must fit within military chains of command and international humanitarian law. The laser also does not remove the need to establish whether a drone is hostile, who is responsible and what deployment is proportionate.
Defence sees the threat from drones increasing and is therefore investing in a combination of capabilities. The forthcoming testing phase must show where a laser genuinely adds value: at fixed sites, with mobile units, at airfields or in protecting ships. For now, this is technology development, not the replacement of existing air defences.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Defence is developing a laser prototype and other anti-drone systems.
- The laser system has not yet been confirmed as a broadly operational weapon.
- Drone countermeasures consist of multiple techniques, including detection, disruption and physical disablement.
Left
Arguments New military technology should be rigorously assessed for proportionality, controllability and risks to civilians. Investment is defensible when it improves protection without normalising autonomous use of force.
Values Human control, international law and limiting escalation.
Consequences Longer testing and decision-making may delay deployment, but reduce legal and security risks.
Centre
Arguments The Netherlands needs layered defence in which lasers are one component alongside radar, electronic capabilities and conventional weapons. Cooperation with allies and transparent testing criteria are essential.
Values Practical security, interoperability and institutional control.
Consequences A mix of systems is more expensive and complex, but avoids dependence on a single technology.
Right
Arguments The growth of drone warfare makes rapid military innovation necessary. Defence must invest sufficiently to protect its own units and vital infrastructure, rather than wait for the threat to grow.
Values Deterrence, national security and technological independence.
Consequences Rapid procurement may improve protection, but increases the risk of expensive systems later proving technically obsolete.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The development, supplier and prototype status are based on official Defence documents. The article describes technical advantages as conditions and possibilities, not as proven operational performance.
- confirmed Defence is developing a prototype High Energy Laser for countering drones. — This is stated in the 2026 Defence Projects Overview. source
- confirmed Electro Optic Systems of Australia received contracts for the development and testing. — The supplier and contract years are mentioned in the project overview. source
- confirmed The project is still a prototype and testing programme. — The official project description refers to the development and testing of a prototype. source
- confirmed Defence is also building broader counter-UAS capabilities. — Defence describes investment in multiple drone-defence systems. source
Editor's note
The official documents confirm the prototype phase, the Australian supplier involved and the broader Dutch approach to drone defence. It is uncertain when an operational laser system will become available and how effective it will be under different conditions.Sources
- Defensie Projectenoverzicht 2026 — Ministerie van Defensie
- In Oekraïne: meer dan 1.300 dagen oorlog — Ministerie van Defensie
- Landmacht zet volop in op drones — NOS
- Nederland laat prototype bouwen voor High Energy Laser — Defensiekrant
More on this in Dutch media
- AD — „defensie drones”
- RTL Nieuws — „defensie drones”
- FD — „defensie drones”