Sky-Watch secures public procurement with Netherlands Ministry of Defence
RQ-35 Heidrun selected for company-level ISR operations across NATO-aligned missions.
Støvring, Denmark, June 30, 2026: Sky-Watch A/S, a leading European defense technology company, part of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRO), today announced that it has secured a Public Procurement with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. The tender was managed by Material and IT Command (COMMIT), the Ministry’s Material and IT organization.
The agreement covers Sky-Watch‘s delivery of a program-level number of UAV systems in 2026, followed by a seven-year support program. Sky-Watch will deliver, integrate, and support the systems, and is responsible for operational deployment and long-term readiness within Dutch forces.
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence selected Sky-Watch‘s RQ-35 Heidrun for company-level ISR operations supporting NATO-aligned missions that require reliable, real-time intelligence at the tactical edge. The system provides real-time ISR and precise geolocation in contested environments.
The selection of the system is based on:
- Proven performance in GNSS-denied environments and high target positioning accuracy with low Target Location Error
- A European supply chain supporting security of supply and long-term availability
- A software-defined architecture enabling continuous capability upgrades without hardware replacement cycles
- Safe and intuitive operation enabling rapid deployment and reduced training burden
- Secure and encrypted communications, and robust performance in electromagnetic interference environments
Customer perspective
The selection of the RQ-35 Heidrun reflects its strong operational performance and proven reliability in real-world deployments. The system delivered consistent performance in contested and GNSS-denied environments and met our requirements for reliability, usability, and long-term sustainability. Its European supply base and support model are also key factors.
Combat-proven and software-defined capability
Sky-Watch‘s RQ-35 Heidrun is a combat-proven ISR platform with extensive operational use in Ukraine. Built on Sky-Watch‘s software-defined architecture, the platform enables continuous capability evolution through controlled software updates, allowing operators to adapt rapidly to changing battlefield conditions.
Sky-Watch perspective
This agreement confirms Sky-Watch‘s ability to deliver and sustain mission-critical ISR capabilities in demanding operational environments. Being selected through open competition against leading U.S. and European suppliers reinforces our operational credibility and our ability to execute complex programs end-to-end, from delivery and integration to long-term support.
Martin Schousboe, CEO of Sky-Watch A/S
Strengthening European defense capability
The agreement reflects a broader trend among NATO countries toward:
- Operationally proven systems over specification-based procurement
- Greater resilience in contested environments
- Stronger European defense industrial capabilities
Sky-Watch will execute the program in full, including delivery, fielding, training, and long-term support, ensuring sustained operational readiness for Dutch forces.
About AIRO Group Holdings, Inc
AIRO Group Holdings is a next-generation aerospace and defense platform driving innovation across defense and commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, VA, with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Denmark, AIRO combines a global reach with deep technical expertise. Through a vertically integrated model, AIRO delivers mission-critical solutions centered on its drone platforms, leveraging advanced avionics, integrated training capabilities, and embedded autonomy across systems.
