The Dutch Ministry of Defence and Thales have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at expanding radar manufacturing and testing infrastructure at Thales’ facilities in Hengelo.
The project will involve the development of new production and testing capabilities, including a near-field radar evaluation site equipped with an anechoic chamber, enhanced manufacturing lines for sophisticated printed circuit boards, and the construction of an additional radar testing tower. New training infrastructure will also be established as part of the initiative.
Thales estimates that the upgrades will increase its antenna manufacturing output by approximately 60 percent over the next two years, supporting growing demand for advanced radar systems.
The agreement comes amid several strategic programs involving the company. Earlier this month, Thales joined forces with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to assess the integration of Chunmoo-guided munitions with the X-Fire long-range launcher platform.
The company is also participating in the Enbata MALE drone project alongside AURA AERO, supplying its AirMaster C radar for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. Separately, Thales has partnered with Renault Group to industrialize production of the Toutatis loitering munition and expand French drone manufacturing capabilities.
