Planned Joint Venture to Advance Radar Seeker Technology

A planned joint venture between TNO and Destinus will focus on the further development, scaling, and production of an advanced, cost-effective radar seeker designed to strengthen integrated air defence capabilities in Europe.

Planned for establishment in 2026, the venture is intended to strengthen integrated air defence capabilities in Europe by bringing radar seeker development, validation, industrialisation, and production closer together. The technology, designed by TNO, supports improved target detection and tracking under demanding operational conditions, including low visibility and adverse weather.

TNO and Destinus are developing, testing, and industrialising advanced radar technology, also known as radio frequency (RF) seekers, for interceptor systems. The active RF seeker is roughly the size of an ice hockey puck and serves as the “eyes” of a modern precision interceptor. It supports the ability to distinguish targets from countermeasures and decoys while continuing 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 for interceptor systems. Decisions on deployment and engagement remain under human control and within applicable doctrines and legal frameworks.

Within the planned joint venture, TNO will focus on developing and validating technological concepts, architectures, and knowledge. Destinus will be responsible for system design, engineering, integration, industrialisation, and the market introduction of the developed solutions in deployable air defence systems.

The first demonstration products are expected early next year. Establishment of the joint venture remains subject to relevant approvals, including from regulatory authorities.

The initiative comes as Europe seeks to reduce its reliance on other regions for critical technologies and defence capabilities, while accelerating the pace at which new systems are developed, validated, and deployed. TNO and Destinus aim to address this by integrating technology development and industrialisation from the outset.

The announcement also follows the recently signed letter of intent between the Dutch Ministry of Defence and TNO. The agreement aims to translate research and development more rapidly into concrete applications and build strategic positions in international defence and dual-use value chains, accelerating the development of high-tech military capabilities.

Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, CEO of TNO, commented, “The geopolitical situation requires Europe to strengthen its defence technological and industrial base. Success will not only be determined by who can build the most platforms, but by who controls the critical technologies that make those platforms effective, robust, and reliable. By making technology available earlier and at scale, this joint venture creates important opportunities for Dutch high-tech companies to produce, integrate, and scale technologies that are vital to European defence capability.”

Tim Moser, Group CTO of Destinus, stated, “Advanced seekers are among the most critical guidance technologies in modern air defence. Radar seekers are essential because they enhance performance in conditions where purely optical systems have limitations, such as low visibility, weather effects, and more complex target environments. Together with TNO, we can integrate deep radar expertise into a system architecture that Destinus can design, industrialise, and scale for European air defence.”

State Secretary Derk Boswijk added, “Current geopolitical developments underline the need for rapid innovation and scaling of our defence industry. Now is the time to move forward: less talk, more action. This requires close cooperation between knowledge institutions, industry, and Defence, with concrete products and results as the goal. This collaboration between TNO and Destinus aligns perfectly with Defence policy, and we therefore fully support it.”