Thales’ Goalkeeper completes sea acceptance trials
The Royal Netherlands Navy’s first updated Goalkeeper close-in weapon system has successfully completed its sea acceptance trials, Thales announced on 20 March.
Trials were performed on HNLMS Johan de Witt, the second landing platform dock vessel of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
The testing with air targets included detection, tracking and elimination of Qinetiq Banshee propeller and jet UAS with traditional and modern inbound attack flight paths. The same procedure was carried out with Qinetiq Sprite II USV surface targets.
Thales received the Goalkeeper upkeep modification contract in 2012. The upkeep modifications consist of new algorithms and electro-optic tracking capabilities that will enable Goalkeeper to deal with evolving threats, including modern, evasive manoeuvring air threats with a complex trajectory.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.