Dutch Reaper UAVs to be armed with Hellfire missiles
The Netherlands is arming its MQ-9 Reapers in response to a changing security situation. (Photo: Dutch MoD)
The Dutch MoD has announced plans to arm its General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper fleet with laser-guided bombs and Hellfire missiles.
The Netherlands currently operates four MQ-9 Reapers but has four more aircraft on order.
The Netherlands' new aircraft, due to arrive in 2026, will be ready to carry the weapons, and the existing four will be adapted to deploy them.
The GBU laser-guided bomb is already used on the F-35 fighter jet and the Hellfire missile on the Apache attack helicopter.
Related Articles
Saab details Finnish and Dutch combat training solutions at IT2EC 2023
Highway landing opens door to future MQ-9 Reaper capabilities
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force begins trials with MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS
However, the Hellfire missiles for the Reapers will be a newer variant.
When the Dutch started their Reaper project in 2011, the country deemed there not to be a requirement to arm the UAVs; however, the MoD said the threat picture had not changed significantly.
Arming the aircraft is estimated to cost between €100 to €250 million.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
MQ-9A Reaper (Second Batch) [Netherlands]
MQ-9A Reaper (First Batch) [Netherlands]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets]()
Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
-
![UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme]()
UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme
At the G20 summit in Brazil, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with a nod given to potentially widening the participation out to other countries.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
