A new agreement between Thales and the Dutch Ministry of Defence will expand radar testing and manufacturing capabilities in the Netherlands through significant infrastructure investments at the company’s Hengelo operations.
The project includes plans for a near-field radar testing facility with an advanced anechoic chamber, increased production capacity for high-complexity printed circuit boards, and the construction of an additional radar testing tower. The initiative will also establish training facilities to support personnel development and technical expertise.
Thales expects the upgrades to deliver a 60-percent increase in antenna production output by 2028, helping meet rising demand for advanced radar technologies.
The agreement builds on a series of recent defense programs involving the company. Among them is a collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace focused on integrating Chunmoo rockets and missiles into the X-Fire launcher system. Thales has also partnered with AURA AERO on the Enbata long-endurance unmanned aircraft program, supplying its AirMaster C radar for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
Meanwhile, the company’s partnership with Renault Group aims to industrialize the production of the Toutatis loitering munition, combining defense innovation and automotive manufacturing expertise to expand France’s sovereign drone production capabilities.
