By A Correspondent

Washington: In a significant step toward bolstering its air power and transatlantic defence ties, the Netherlands has formally joined the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme, becoming one of the first European nations to do so.

The Dutch Ministry of Defence signed a letter of intent (LOI) on Oct. 17, 2025, to cooperate with Washington in developing the next generation of unmanned aircraft designed to operate alongside F-35 fighter jets.

Announcing the partnership at the Dutch Embassy’s annual defence industry event in Washington, Dutch State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman said the agreement represents “a unique point in time” for strengthening global security and expanding the Netherlands’ defence capabilities.

“It reinforces the partnership we have with the US and makes the world a lot safer if, in the near future, we can operate CCA-type aircraft in the European theater,” he said.

The Netherlands’ participation will allow it to access CCA programme developments, share data, and contribute to operational requirements tailored for European defence needs.

Tuinman emphasised that the country envisions a balanced mix of manned, unmanned, and attritable systems to enhance its overall deterrence posture.

The CCA programme, central to the US Air Force’s next-generation air combat strategy, aims to deploy advanced autonomous drones capable of teaming with manned fighters like the F-35.

The Netherlands’ inclusion aligns with its long-standing cooperation with the US on platforms such as the F-16 and F-35, positioning it as a key European partner in emerging aerial warfare technologies.

In a parallel move, the Dutch government also signed a separate agreement with US defence firm General Atomics, in collaboration with Netherlands-based VDL Defentec, to develop a new generation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

These affordable drones will be designed to carry modular payloads and operate in contested environments.

“The drone industry lacks systems that can penetrate anti-access and area-denial bubbles and deliver diverse ISR and strike capabilities,” Tuinman noted. The new partnership aims to fill that gap while reinforcing European defense production capacity.

The move comes amid heightened security concerns as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues and drone intrusions increase across Europe.

Tuinman revealed that recent Dutch military exercises in Poland were disrupted by unidentified drones, signs of growing hybrid warfare tactics.

“Putin is testing us in every possible way,” he said. “These hybrid attacks are already taking place across Europe, including in my own country.”

Dutch Ambassador to the US Birgitta Tazelaar underscored that closer defence collaboration with American companies will help Europe build a robust defence industrial base.

“Spending more on defence means strengthening both European and US industries. It’s vital to maintain our strategic advantage by integrating our industrial bases,” she said.

By joining the CCA programme and teaming with General Atomics, the Netherlands positions itself at the forefront of NATO’s evolving air combat and drone warfare capabilities, reflecting a broader European shift toward greater defence integration and technological cooperation with the United States.

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