Strategic Cooperation Between NLR and TNO Accelerates Dutch Military Space Capabilities

Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and TNO have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to accelerate innovation in the field of Military Use of Space (MUoS). This agreement is a further intensification of the existing cooperation between the two knowledge institutions, which have been working together for over ten years in the field of military space applications.

Space technology plays an increasingly important role in national and international security. Satellites are crucial for communication, navigation, intelligence, and situational awareness. With the cooperation agreement, NLR and TNO are pooling their resources to share innovation and knowledge and thus strengthen the Dutch defence within the space domain.

Joint innovation for a resilient society
The agreement sets out mutual agreements that promote the effectiveness and efficiency of the cooperation. Arrangements have been made regarding:

• The exchange of knowledge and expertise within joint and separate research assignments
• Collaboration in integrated teams in the fields of safety, market knowledge, and domain expertise
• The utilisation of each other’s technological background and new insights in concrete applications
• The expansion of cooperation to other relevant themes and clients in the event of successful results

The Military Use of Space Community, established in the summer of 2024, aims to integrate the military space expertise and capabilities of NLR and TNO and build a joint and rapidly scalable R&D environment to support the objectives of the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

Faster and more focused innovation
“The geopolitical situation presents significant challenges for the Ministry of Defence. To provide even better support, we have chosen to further strengthen and intensify our cooperation with TNO,” said Tineke van der Veen, CEO of NLR. “As strategic partners of Defence, we are taking an important next step in cooperation on the use of space for military purposes. We will work together to develop groundbreaking technologies and solutions that enhance the safety and effectiveness of our armed forces.”

Hendrik Jan van Veen, Managing Director TNO Defence and Security, adds: “The space domain is relatively new for The Netherlands, making this collaboration more important. By pooling knowledge, talent and capacity, we accelerate the development of innovative solutions for complex defence issues and strengthen both Defence and the position of the Dutch industry.”

Future-oriented cooperation
With this cooperation agreement, NLR and TNO are taking an important step in strengthening the Dutch Defence and confirming their role as strategic partners in the development of innovative technologies and solutions for the armed forces.