The Royal Netherlands Navy officially opened a new drone workshop on the site of the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) in Marknesse on Monday, October 20. The workshop marks a significant step in strengthening the cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and NLR in the field of unmanned aerial systems and maritime technology.
The new facility provides space for joint research projects, prototyping, and operational testing of drones that contribute to maritime safety, logistics, and observation at sea. By combining the technical and operational expertise of the navy with the research and development capabilities of the NLR, a unique environment is created where innovation can be directly translated into deployable applications.
Innovator at the Royal Netherlands Navy, Commander Dr Pieter Blank emphasised the importance of this cooperation during the opening: “By working together with knowledge institutions such as NLR, we accelerate technological innovation and increase our operational effectiveness. This workshop is a tangible step towards the navy of the future.”
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Download free sample pages More informationNLR Drone Centre coordinator Jasper van der Vorst underlined this: “With this collaboration, we combine knowledge and technology, and strengthen the testing ground for innovation that puts the Netherlands on the international map in the field of unmanned aerial systems.”
The workshop will be used for the development, maintenance, and testing of drones specifically designed for maritime missions, including inspections, reconnaissance, and relief operations. Within the programme, emphasis is placed on sustainability and the development of safe, reliable systems that fit into Dutch airspace and international regulations.
The opening marks the increasing interconnection between the Ministry of Defence and the emerging national drone industry, with NLR fulfilling a bridging function. This strengthens cooperation, leading to accelerated innovation and contributing to national security.
