Netherlands to Integrate Destinus Hornet B2 Interceptor Drones on Ships

The Royal Netherlands Navy will integrate Hornet B2 interceptor drones onto its ships.

The Netherlands Ministry of Defense’s Commando Materieel en IT and European company Destinus reported this.

The agency has signed its first contract for the development and delivery of these systems.

The agency has not officially identified the model, but it published a rendering showing Destinus’ Hornet B2.

The drone is launched from a sealed transport-launch container using a rocket booster.

After launch, the drone deploys its wings and transitions to controlled flight using an electric motor.

The Hornet B2 uses electro-optical and infrared sensors, as well as artificial intelligence algorithms for terminal guidance.

The system is designed to destroy reconnaissance and strike drones.

The previous version of the system, the Hornet B1, is already in serial production.

According to Destinus, testing and integration of the Hornet B2 with shipboard systems are scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.

The Netherlands Ministry of Defense recently announced the selection of the French F21 Mk2 heavy torpedo for its future Orka-class submarines.

The decision means that the Netherlands has abandoned its initial plan to integrate U.S.-made Mk48 torpedoes, which are currently in service on the Walrus-class submarines.