The Netherlands has officially joined the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, marking a significant step towards enhancing its combat capabilities through manned-unmanned teaming. State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman signed a letter of intent to formalize this partnership, positioning the Royal Netherlands Air Force as the first European service to enter the drone wingman initiative.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence expressed that this commitment underscores the Netherlands’ ambitions to drive innovation and foster cooperation in the realm of unmanned systems. This initiative aligns with one of the five strategic focal points—intelligent systems, smart materials, space, sensors, and quantum—outlined in the Defence Strategy for Industry and Innovation launched in April.
By participating in the US-led development efforts, the Netherlands is seizing the opportunity to play a leading role in advancing drone technologies and operations. Officials have indicated that the country could potentially require over 1,000 CCA platforms in the near future, highlighting the anticipated demand for such advanced systems.
The integration of unmanned wingmen extends the operational capabilities of manned aircraft, allowing them to undertake high-risk missions while maintaining safety. These unmanned systems can be produced and developed at a faster pace and lower cost compared to traditional manned fighter jets. This program is part of the US Air Force’s broader Next-Generation Air Dominance initiative, which aims to deploy sixth-generation fighters alongside various unmanned platforms.
Joining the CCA program enables the Netherlands to gain comprehensive access to ongoing developments and to tailor military requirements suited for the European theater, as Tuinman noted. The recent interest in CCA platforms has also prompted drone manufacturers in Europe, including Kratos, Airbus, Anduril, Rheinmetall, and General Atomics, to step up their efforts in this area.
In response to the burgeoning interest in CCA technologies, Pratt & Whitney is developing a new suite of propulsion systems designed for these platforms, with scalable thrust capabilities ranging from 500 to 1,800 pounds (227 to 816 kilograms).
Tuinman emphasized that this collaboration could facilitate a pathway for American companies to enter the European market, pointing out that the Netherlands could serve as a strategic entry point for US firms looking to establish a foothold in Europe. Alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Australia have also signaled their intention to join this pivotal program, reflecting a growing global interest in enhancing military capabilities through innovative technologies.
