Dutch company TNO and Destinus have announced the creation of a joint venture to develop and manufacture search radars for the Hornet interceptor drone.
Under the partnership, TNO will be responsible for technology development and system validation, while Destinus will handle engineering, integration, and large-scale production. The first prototypes are expected to be delivered in early 2027, provided the initiative receives the necessary regulatory approvals.
The active radar developed by TNO will be integrated into the Hornet, serving as the interceptor’s primary guidance sensor. The system has been designed to distinguish real targets from decoys while maintaining effectiveness under challenging conditions, including nighttime operations and adverse weather. According to the companies, the technology aims to strengthen European air defense systems against the growing threat posed by drones.
Unveiled during BEDEX 2026 in Brussels, the Hornet Block 2 is a container-launched electric interceptor designed to destroy attack drones, unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, and helicopters. With an estimated range of around 150 kilometers, the system is intended to bridge the gap between very short-range and short-range air defense systems, offering a lower-cost and easily scalable solution to counter large-scale attacks.
In addition to the Hornet, Destinus is also developing the Ruta missile family, including the long-range Ruta Block 3, which will be produced in partnership with Rheinmetall and is expected to begin operational testing in Ukraine in 2027. The project reinforces the efforts of European countries and NATO to expand their integrated air defense capabilities, particularly in protecting strategic infrastructure, military bases, and naval forces against coordinated drone attacks.
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Source: Militarnyi | Photo: LinkedIn – TNO | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
