Royal Netherlands Navy
Dutch naval force; first NATO navy to declare V-BAT drone operational at sea.
Last refreshed: 5 April 2026
Why did the Dutch Navy beat all NATO allies to V-BAT certification at sea?
Timeline for Royal Netherlands Navy
Dutch Navy Declares V-BAT Fully Operational
Drones: Industry & DefenceWhat is the Royal Netherlands Navy?
Which NATO navy first declared V-BAT operational?
How many V-BAT drones did the Netherlands Navy acquire?
Background
The Royal Netherlands Navy declared Shield AI's V-BAT unmanned aircraft system fully operational on 30 March 2026, following Arctic sea trials aboard HNLMS Johan de Witt. The navy acquired 12 V-BAT units and will equip eight ships with the system, making the RNLN the first NATO navy to achieve operational certification of V-BAT.
The Koninklijke Marine (Royal Netherlands Navy) is a founding NATO member operating frigates, submarines, mine-hunters, and amphibious ships from its principal base at Den Helder. HNLMS Johan de Witt is the navy's primary amphibious transport dock, serving as a command-and-control platform for joint NATO exercises across The Atlantic and Arctic flanks.
The RNLN's V-BAT adoption signals a broader NATO shift toward ship-launched ISR drones, with allies watching how the system performs at high latitudes and in contested maritime environments. The Netherlands has historically contributed above its weight in alliance logistics and amphibious capability, and this integration accelerates European navies' plans for organic at-sea drone coverage.
What ships does the Royal Netherlands Navy operate?
