The Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Destinus have launched a Concept Development & Evaluation (CD&E) programme to integrate the Hornet B2 interceptor with Royal Netherlands Navy warships and develop the system towards a possible initial operating capability.
The Ministry of Defence’s Materiel and IT Command, COMMIT, has signed a contract with Destinus for the development of a kinetic counter-UAS capability for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The programme includes the delivery of Hornet B2 interceptor systems, integration with several Royal Netherlands Navy warships and Integrated Logistics Support activities towards a possible initial operating capability. The CD&E programme is scheduled for completion in Q2 2027.
The programme is being developed against the challenge posed by low-cost aerial threats that can arrive in significant numbers. While high-end naval air-defence missiles remain an essential capability, the programme is intended to develop an additional interceptor layer that can be deployed in greater numbers and matched more closely to the cost and scale of the threat.
A Different Approach to Naval Interception
Hornet B2 uses an architecture that differs from a traditional interceptor missile. The system is stored in a sealed canister and launched using a rocket booster. Following launch, it deploys folding wings and transitions to electric-powered cruise flight.
According to Destinus, this approach combines missile-class launch readiness with aircraft-class range and endurance, while targeting a lower cost per engagement than traditional interceptor missiles.
Hornet B2 is designed to engage one-way attack systems using electro-optical and infrared sensing, supported by AI-based processing during the terminal phase. Engagement decisions remain under human command in accordance with applicable rules of engagement. Its predecessor, Hornet B1, is already in serial production.
Royal Netherlands Navy Operators to Support Development
Royal Netherlands Navy operators will be directly involved throughout the CD&E programme. They will contribute operational expertise and help shape capability requirements and system specifications as Hornet B2 is developed for the naval environment.
The programme will also address requirements beyond the interceptor itself, including ship integration, logistics, operator needs, support and operating procedures. These requirements will be incorporated into the development process from the outset.
Mikhail Kokorich, CEO of Destinus, said: “Low-cost aerial threats have inverted the economics of naval air defence: no navy can sustainably trade multimillion-euro missiles against low-cost threats arriving at volume. Hornet B2 answers this with a different architecture: launched from a canister like a missile, cruising on electric power like an aircraft, and engaging subsonic threats at a fraction of the cost per engagement. Developing this capability together with COMMIT and the Royal Netherlands Navy from day one means it will be shaped by the operators who will depend on it.”
