A delegation from the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development Cooperation Committee (BDO) visited the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) in Marknesse on Friday, June 20. The aim was to gain a better understanding of the scope of this knowledge center, which is a strategic partner of the Ministry of Defence. Topics in both military and civilian aviation and aerospace were discussed.
Significantly Increased Demand for Knowledge
The delegation members received presentations from CEO Tineke van Beek and MT member Henk van Dijk of the NLR. They indicated that the demand for knowledge from the NLR regarding drones and the ability of drones to operate autonomously has significantly increased since the war in Ukraine. The challenge is to come up with practical solutions to field problems within short turnaround times of sometimes just a few weeks. The NLR can respond quickly because it works closely with other knowledge institutions, universities, colleges, and vocational education. Practical solutions must also be feasible in practice.
European Space Ambitions
The delegation also discussed ambitions for Europe to stand more on its own when deploying satellites. The delegation saw a prototype of a satellite that is used as eyes and ears. This deployment is not only for military missions but also to monitor migration flows and climate changes. Additionally, the senators received explanations about research into the sustainability of aviation. New application possibilities for lighter materials such as composites in the construction of drones and airplanes are being explored, among other things to save fuel. The members of parliament were also briefed on research into replacing kerosene with hydrogen and the development of flexible wings.
Heavy Wind Tests
The working visit concluded with a visit to the German-Dutch Wind Tunnels. Director Joost Hakkaart explained in his presentation how his company contributes to the innovative strength of the aviation and automotive industries. The knowledge gained in the wind tunnels is used worldwide, for example, in the sustainability efforts of the aviation industry. The visit ended with a look into a towering wind tunnel, where aircraft components are subjected to heavy wind tests.
Global Player in Aerospace Knowledge
Koen Petersen (VVD), chair of the BDO committee, called the visit fascinating: We have a beautiful knowledge institute in the Noordoostpolder with a wide variety of focus areas. The working visit provided a complete picture of what we as the Netherlands have in terms of innovation and technological knowledge. This allows us to continue to guarantee our safety and that of our partners. Also, Tineke Huizinga (ChristenUnie), vice-chair of the committee, was impressed: The working visit made it clear that the Netherlands is a global player when it comes to knowledge about aviation and aerospace. We can be proud of that. Visits like these give us as the Senate a concrete understanding of abstract matters such as the increase in NATO standards or defence spending. That is very valuable.
The delegation also included: Karin van Bijsterveld (JA21), Henk Marquart Scholtz (BBB), Madeleine van Toorenburg (CDA), and Rian Vogels (VVD).