The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and the European defense manufacturer Destinus, headquartered in Hengelo, plan to set up a joint venture this year for the development, scale-up and production of radar seekers for interceptor drones. The technology supports improved target detection and tracking under demanding operational conditions. The first demonstration products are expected in early 2027.
Approximately the size of an ice hockey puck, the active RF seeker serves as the ‘eyes’ of a modern precision interceptor. It supports distinguishing targets from countermeasures (decoys) and continues to operate reliably under changing conditions, including at night and in poor weather. The technology is intended to enhance the final phase of target acquisition. Decisions on deployment and engagement remain under human control.
Within the joint venture, TNO will focus on developing and validating technological concepts, architectures and knowledge. Destinus will be responsible for system design, engineering, integration, industrialization and the market introduction of the developed solutions. The collaboration contributes to strengthening the European defense industry and accelerating the scale-up of critical air defense technology.
