Defense can purchase scarce sensor capacity for the unmanned MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance aircraft in the short term. This concerns three signal intelligence/electronic support measures pods which will strengthen Defense's ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) capabilities.
Before 31 January, the Ministry of Defense must indicate whether it wishes to make use of this offer. State Secretary Christophe van der Maat informed the House today that he wants to seize this opportunity. The House of Representatives still has to approve the intention of the Ministry of Defence.
Thanks to the opportunity offered, the Ministry of Defense will receive this scarce system a year earlier than expected. If everything goes according to plan, the first pod will be delivered at the end of this year. This is important because of the situation on Europe's eastern flank and the contribution that the systems can make to strengthening national and allied security.
The SIGINT/ESM (signal intelligence/electronic support measures) pod captures radar signals and radio transmissions to build an electronic picture of operations in the area of operations. The project is worth between €50 and €100 million.
Producing intelligence
SIGINT is about collecting information and producing intelligence based on communication and other electronic signals. Think of enemy radar systems. The collection of intelligence is done within the law and regulations.
Analytical capacity is also required to convert the collected data into intelligence. In addition, the information must be available quickly and securely via a Highly Classified Information Systems network. This allows units to receive information about enemy assets with virtually no delay.
Expand and strengthen
The Defense memorandum states that Defense wants to expand and strengthen the MQ-9 capacity. Thus, in June 2022, the accelerated purchase of 4 additional aircraft was announced for deployment at 2 locations. The MQ-9 is also being armed. In addition, the Ministry of Defense will eventually purchase 4 Communications Relay pods and 4 Maritime Surveillance Radars.
With the latter system, a picture can be built up of activities and ship movements in a maritime environment. The communications relay pod allows, among other things, to exchange radio signals between units. Sensor data from the MQ-9 itself can also be sent directly to the units with this pod.
Requirement
Defense and NATO have a great need for flying ISR capability. With the purchase, the Netherlands contributes to reducing this shortage. By being able to build up an intelligence picture from the air with its own resources, the Netherlands makes an important contribution to the defense of the alliance.
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