The RNLAF becomes the first European air force to join the US Air Force’s CCA initiative and aims to take a leading role in the development of the “loyal companion” drone.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has become the first European air force to formally join the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The partnership was sealed on October 16, 2025, when Dutch Secretary of State for Defense Gijs Tuinman signed a letter of intent ahead of the annual Defense Industry Days at the Netherlands embassy in Washington, DC
“By signing the letter of intent, the Netherlands demonstrates its desire to advance innovation and cooperation in the field of unmanned systems,” says the Dutch Ministry of Defense. The press release also notes that joining the CCA initiative reflects one of the five key areas of the new Defense Strategy for Industry and Innovation, launched in April 2025.
The agreement marks a significant step in transatlantic defense cooperation, and the Netherlands intends to seize the opportunity to take a leading role in the development of future unmanned combat systems, the Ministry of Defense said. Unmanned systems are a cornerstone of future capability development, and the country aims to deploy autonomous and “loyal companion” drones designed to operate alongside its F-35s.
“Full Access” to the CCA Program
According Breaking the defenseTuinman told reporters after the signing that the agreement gives the Netherlands “full access” to the US Air Force’s CCA program “at all levels.” He further explained that this would allow Dutch officials to contribute to the development phase of the program and adapt operational requirements to the European theater.
“We are really grateful and have been working hard with our American partners and the US Air Force to get into the CCA program,” Tuinman said. “It will also make the world much safer if, in the near future, we can also operate aircraft of the CCA type in the European theater.”
In recent months, US vendors working on CCA technology have entered into talks and agreements with European companies for joint development. This is due to growing interest in these platforms, as autonomous aircraft can expand the combat effectiveness of manned fighters by providing additional sensors, weapons transport and the ability to perform high-risk missions.
Dutch industry participation and future opportunities
The Ministry of Defense states that the partnership paves the way, in the long term, for the participation of Dutch knowledge institutes and companies in joint research, development and testing of CCA technologies. While the letter of intent is an initial framework, both governments plan to better define industrial cooperation and technology sharing agreements in the coming years.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the participation of Dutch companies will help strengthen the country’s high-tech industrial base, allowing it to contribute to a rapidly evolving field where the United States currently leads development.
“American technology companies are at the forefront of global developments,” the Ministry stated. “By joining forces with the US Air Force and creating a knowledge base, the Dutch industrial and technological base will also be strengthened.”
Tuinman also hinted that the new partnership could be “a path to sales for American companies.” He explained that 1,000 CCAs could be needed in the near future, possibly combining two drones with a manned fighter.
Parallel Agreement with General Atomics
In addition to the CCA cooperation, the Dutch Ministry of Defense also signed a separate agreement with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to jointly develop a new small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) capable of performing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
According to GA-ASIThe system will be low-cost, capable of hosting a variety of payloads and designed for high-volume production. As part of the first phase of the contract, the company and the Dutch Ministry of Defense will work together to establish UAS manufacturing capability.
“This contract is the first step in a strategic partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Defense that will ultimately contribute to the defense of Ukraine and NATO by creating a versatile European defense system,” said GA-ASI Director General Linden Blue. However, the link with Ukraine has not been better explained.
VDL Defentec, a Dutch defense manufacturer specializing in military vehicles and components, has been selected as a local partner to build the new drone in the Netherlands. GA-ASI will share expertise in design, manufacturing, logistics and support as part of the partnership.
According to statements from the Ministry of Defense and GA-ASI, the new aircraft is expected to fly before the end of this year, with slow-paced production beginning in 2026 in both the United States and the Netherlands. The aircraft will enter service in 2026.
