AI Nexus Links Drones and Sensors in Dutch Defence Test

AI based single user interface for drones and sensors Nexus Makes the Connection

2026-10-10 From Detlev Karg 1 min Reading Time

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Following a €30 million partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Defence in July, Dutch defence technology company Intelic has successfully demonstrated its AI-powered Nexus software during a counter-drone test at a former military airbase in Katwijk aan Zee.

Intelic's AI-supported command-and-control system Nexus can integrate sensors and interceptor drones to counter aerial threats (Illustration).(Picture: AI generated) — Intelic's AI-supported command-and-control system Nexus can integrate sensors and interceptor drones to counter aerial threats (Illustration).
(Picture: AI generated)

The three-year agreement aims to create a common software architecture for unmanned systems from different manufacturers. Rather than developing individual platforms first and connecting them afterwards, the Netherlands is pursuing a software-first approach to military interoperability. During the demonstration in late September, Nexus combined data from radars, sensors and cameras supplied by different manufacturers to detect and identify a simulated hostile threat, Reuters reported. A reconnaissance drone subsequently confirmed the target using AI-based image recognition before an interceptor drone was deployed.

Software first, not last

The final engagement decision was made by a human operator. However, Intelic CEO Maurits Korthals Altes told Reuters that the process could also be fully automated, an important capability when defending against fast-moving drones that leave commanders only seconds to react. The technology addresses a growing challenge for European armed forces: integrating increasingly diverse unmanned systems into a common command-and-control architecture. According to Intelic, Europe has more than 700 drone manufacturers, whose products are not necessarily compatible - and this number is still to rise.

Rapid decision support for commanders in the field

Nexus provides a common interface for sensors, reconnaissance platforms and interceptors, allowing operators to coordinate different systems without switching between separate control stations. Thus, different systems can "talk" with each other. The software has already been used in Ukraine since 2025 and complements the country's Delta battlefield management system. The Dutch investment reflects a broader shift towards software-defined defence capabilities. Instead of relying on individual hardware suppliers, armed forces increasingly require flexible architectures capable of incorporating new sensors and weapons as threats evolve.

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