Dutch Navy to Deploy Floating Decoys to Outsmart Enemy Weapons

2026-04-09 hardware

The Hague, Thursday 9 April 2026
To counter modern maritime threats, the Dutch Navy is urgently procuring floating decoys that mimic a ship’s radar and heat signatures to divert incoming enemy missiles and drones.

Upgrading Maritime Defence in a Rapidly Changing Threat Landscape

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has initiated an urgent procurement of ‘Floating Decoy’ systems, aiming to equip its naval fleet within the current calendar year [1]. On 7 April 2026, State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk formally notified the House of Representatives of this materiel project through an ‘A-brief’ [1][2][6]. This strategic acquisition is designed specifically for the Air Defence and Command Frigates, as well as the Multipurpose Frigates, to protect the Netherlands and its allies from airborne maritime threats [1].

Countering the Evolution of Smart Weaponry

The pressing need for this hardware stems from the rapid advancement of modern offensive capabilities [1]. Contemporary enemy missiles and drones are increasingly equipped with advanced targeting algorithms that can identify and bypass traditional defensive countermeasures [1]. As State Secretary Boswijk emphasised in his recent communications, maintaining a technological edge is vital to staying one step ahead of these evolving threats at sea [3]. Consequently, the Ministry of Defence has accelerated the procurement timeline, classifying the enhanced protection as an urgent necessity [1].

Parliamentary Backing and Defence Modernisation

The introduction of the Floating Decoy system aligns with a continuous push for modernisation overseen by the House of Representatives’ Defence Committee, currently chaired by Jan Paternotte [6]. The committee has consistently focused on updating defence materiel to reflect the realities of modern warfare, operating closely with the Ministry to review procurement strategies [4][6]. For instance, late in 2025, the committee reviewed budget amendments specifically targeted at drone combat capabilities, demonstrating a sustained legislative focus on unmanned systems [6].

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