Netherlands developing high-energy laser weapon to counter drone swarms

The project officially advanced following the signing of a letter of intent by State Secretary for Defense Derk Boswijk, setting a goal to turn the current prototype into a fully operational military air defense system. The Dutch Ministry of Defense is also looking to manufacture the weapon system directly within the Netherlands.

The weapon is based on EOS’ Apollo High Energy Laser Weapon System, a 100-kilowatt-class directed-energy system designed specifically to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles. Shifting away from conventional air defense systems that fire expensive missiles or projectiles, this high-energy technology concentrates a beam of light onto a pinpoint area, generating intense heat that incinerates critical components and causes the drone to ignite or drop from the sky.

EOS stated its Apollo system can engage between 20 and 50 drones per minute, depending on the operating conditions and target characteristics.

The technology targets a critical asymmetric threat facing modern militaries: the soaring financial cost of intercepting waves of cheap drones. Traditional defense requires firing interceptor missiles costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to destroy a single $1,000 drone. Once deployed, the laser eliminates the need for expensive ammunition, with its firing capacity limited only by its electrical power supply and cooling capabilities.

The Dutch program will focus on developing the laser into a complete military weapon system, rather than simply acquiring a prototype.

Local news agencies reported that the Netherlands has already been working with EOS on the technology. The country’s defense project overview includes orders placed in 2025 and 2026 for a high-energy laser prototype and an additional low-cost counter-drone system. EOS also reported completing a major design review for the Dutch 100-kilowatt laser system in May 2026. The latest agreement will examine whether a dedicated production facility can be established in the Netherlands, alongside a European-managed supply chain. 

The ministry is also considering how to integrate laser weapons onto military vehicles, allowing them to protect troops and equipment while moving. If the system completes development successfully, the Netherlands intends to purchase multiple laser units. The ministry has not yet specified the number or delivery schedule.

The laser program is designed to integrate alongside conventional missiles and guns, serving as an additional layer of protection rather than a complete replacement for traditional air defenses. While high-energy lasers excel at neutralizing close-range threats like small drones and saturation swarms, their operational effectiveness remains heavily dependent on weather conditions, line-of-sight visibility, and the duration the beam can stay locked onto a moving target.