Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, and the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force (RNLASF) have signed a contract to build a new military avionics service centre in the Netherlands to support European F-35 and CH-47F fleets.
Under the multi-decade government-owned, contractor-operated partnership, Collins will bring repair expertise and depot technology for the F-35 and the CH-47F. They will also manage the repair supply chain as part of its global military services network.
“Bringing our avionics repair capabilities to the RNLASF Air Support Command (ASC) military base will create substantial operational, logistical and sustainment improvement for our European customers,” said Brian Barta, vice president and general manager for avionics aftermarket services and support in Avionics at Collins Aerospace. “This new centre will complement Pratt & Whitney’s already established F135 engine depot at the ASC, further expanding RTX’s presence in the Netherlands.”
The new centre will also complement Collins’ F-35 pilot readiness centre in Soesterberg, the Netherlands, establishing a full regional lifecycle sustainment solution for customers in Europe. Additionally, the repair capability will support Collins’ performance‑based contract with RNLASF to ensure the readiness of the Dutch CH‑47F fleet.
”In an increasingly contested logistics environment, ‘Fight tonight, Fight tomorrow, Fight together,’ means positioning the RNLASF for the highest possible mission readiness,” said Lieutenant General André ‘Jabba’ Steur of the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force.
“As we transition to modernised and increasingly complex weapon systems, we will require preparing for the necessary support, infrastructure and maintenance at our military depot facilities. Collaborating with trusted OEMs like Collins Aerospace has proven to be very valuable to our overall mission readiness.”
”Together with Collins Aerospace we will be increasing skills and advancing technical knowhow, in the Netherlands,” said Secretary of Defense Gijs Tuinman. “This partnership is an example of a strategic collaboration that supports our defence and technological base as we continue to contribute to NATO and its partners.”
Initial depot capability for Collins Aerospace’s avionics military service centre is expected in 2026.
Pic: Kaszynzki, Lockheed Martin
