Dutch Navy & Destinus Partner on Kinetic Counter-UAS Warship Interceptor

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence’s Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) has signed a contract with Destinus to launch a Concept Development & Evaluation (CD&E) programme for a kinetic counter-UAS capability for the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027, the programme includes the delivery of Hornet B2 interceptor systems, integration with several warships, and Integrated Logistics Support activities towards a possible initial operating capability.

The initiative addresses an increasing requirement for scalable naval protection against low-cost, high-volume aerial threats and aligns with the Netherlands’ publicly stated requirements for a fleet-wide maritime kinetic counter-UAS capability. Throughout the CD&E process, the Royal Netherlands Navy will contribute direct operational expertise, shaping capability requirements and system specifications as the Hornet B2 is developed. This direct collaboration enables capability development to align with operational needs from the outset, reducing the need for adaptation after initial system development.

The Hornet B2 represents the newest generation of the Hornet interceptor family, following the Hornet B1 which is currently in serial production. The system is launched from a sealed canister by a rocket booster, deploys folding wings, and transitions to electric-powered cruise flight. This hybrid design combines missile-class launch readiness with aircraft-class range and endurance at a cost per engagement far below that of traditional interceptor missiles.

Designed to engage one-way attack systems, the interceptor uses electro-optical/infrared sensing and AI-based processing in the terminal phase. Engagement decisions remain under human command at all times in accordance with applicable rules of engagement.

“Low-cost aerial threats have inverted the economics of naval air defence: no navy can sustainably trade multimillion-euro missiles against low-cost threats arriving at volume,” said Mikhail Kokorich, CEO of Destinus. “Hornet B2 answers this with a different architecture: launched from a canister like a missile, cruising on electric power like an aircraft, and engaging subsonic threats at a fraction of the cost per engagement. Developing this capability together with COMMIT and the Royal Netherlands Navy from day one means it will be shaped by the operators who will depend on it.”