Netherlands launches construction of second radar station for drone detection

The Netherlands has commenced construction of its second military radar station designed to detect unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in national airspace, amid concerns from local residents.

The new installation is being built in Herwijnen, located in the province of Gelderland, and is intended to bolster the country’s aerial surveillance capabilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The development was confirmed in a letter from State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman to the Dutch parliament. The upcoming facility is set to replace a temporary radar station currently operating in Nieuw-Milligen, offering enhanced monitoring of increasingly congested and vulnerable airspace.

The Netherlands already operates one drone detection radar station in Wier, in the northern province of Friesland.

Despite the strategic importance of the project, the initiative has faced public resistance. Residents of Herwijnen have voiced objections, primarily due to the radar's proximity to an existing meteorological station. They have raised concerns about potential interference and environmental impact.

Nevertheless, Dutch authorities have issued the necessary permits, and the Ministry of Defence has formally launched construction.

By Vafa Guliyeva