Collins Aerospace has announced a significant partnership with the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force (RNLASF) to establish a new military avionics service center aimed at enhancing operational readiness for the European F-35 and CH-47F fleets. This collaboration is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the capabilities of the Dutch military aviation sector.
The newly planned facility will be located at the RNLASF Air Support Command base and is designed to provide comprehensive repair, maintenance, and supply chain management services. This initiative is set under a multi-decade government-owned, contractor-operated agreement, with expectations to achieve initial depot capability by 2026. By integrating Collins’ extensive depot-level expertise with its global military services network, the center aims to deliver a full lifecycle sustainment solution for Dutch forces.
This service center will complement the existing F-35 pilot readiness center in Soesterberg, along with Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engine depot, thereby creating a streamlined support framework for the sustainability of advanced military aircraft. The establishment of this facility is expected to significantly improve turnaround times for avionics repairs, boost fleet availability, and enhance overall readiness in increasingly complex and contested operational environments.
Lieutenant General André Steur of the RNLASF underscored the strategic importance of positioning resources effectively to maintain a state of readiness encapsulated in the motto “Fight tonight, Fight tomorrow, Fight together.” He highlighted that strong partnerships with manufacturers like Collins Aerospace are critical for sustaining modernized weapon systems.
In addition to this pivotal development, the Netherlands has been actively pursuing various initiatives to modernize its military avionics capabilities over the past year. Collins Aerospace has been at the forefront of this modernization effort, expanding its European footprint by integrating advanced diagnostics and repair technologies for the F-35 aircraft. This development complements digital maintenance solutions that were previously introduced by the RNLASF.
Moreover, Thales Nederland has undertaken significant upgrades to the avionics of Dutch NH90 helicopters, integrating state-of-the-art navigation, communication, and mission systems that enhance interoperability with NATO partners. The Netherlands has also participated in joint European exercises aimed at testing the integration of networked avionics across allied platforms. These exercises focus on secure data sharing, sensor fusion, and resilience against electronic warfare, further solidifying the country’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities alongside its allies.
