Collins Aerospace and Netherlands Launch Military Avionics Service Center

New Military Avionics Service Center Established by RTX’s Collins Aerospace and Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force

On November 20, 2025, a significant development in European defense logistics was formalized as Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, and the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force (RNLASF) signed a multi-decade contract. This agreement establishes a new military avionics service center located at the Logistics Centre Woensdrecht (LCW) in the Netherlands. The initiative represents a strategic effort to enhance the maintenance capabilities and supply chain resilience for critical military aircraft operating within the region.

The new facility is designed to operate under a Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) model. Under this structure, the Dutch government retains ownership of the infrastructure and the facility itself, while Collins Aerospace is tasked with providing the technical management, specialized staff, and proprietary depot technologies required for operations. This collaboration aims to merge public defense assets with private industrial expertise to streamline military sustainment.

We note that the primary focus of this center will be to provide depot-level avionics repair and supply chain management. The facility is specifically geared toward supporting the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet and the CH-47F Chinook transport helicopter. By establishing these capabilities within the Netherlands, the partnership intends to service not only the Dutch fleet but also other allied operators across Europe, with initial operational capabilities expected to come online by 2026.

Strengthening European Operational Readiness

The establishment of this center addresses a critical need for localized support in an increasingly complex security environment. By positioning depot-level maintenance in Europe, the RNLASF and Collins Aerospace aim to reduce the logistical reliance on facilities located in the United States or other distant regions. This proximity is expected to significantly decrease turnaround times for avionics repairs, ensuring that aircraft spend less time in maintenance and more time available for missions.

Lieutenant General André Steur, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force, emphasized the operational necessity of this development. In the context of a “contested logistics environment,” the ability to repair and return equipment to the field rapidly is paramount. The center supports the RNLASF’s doctrine of “Fight tonight, Fight tomorrow, Fight together,” which prioritizes immediate mission readiness and the sustainability of combat operations over prolonged periods.

Furthermore, the facility expands the footprint of RTX within the European defense industrial base. It complements existing support structures and allows for a more integrated approach to lifecycle sustainment. Brian Barta, Vice President and General Manager for Avionics Aftermarket Services at Collins Aerospace, noted that bringing these repair capabilities to the RNLASF Air Support Command will create substantial logistical improvements for European customers.

“In an increasingly contested logistics environment, ‘Fight tonight, Fight tomorrow, Fight together,’ means positioning the RNLASF for the highest possible mission readiness… Collaborating with trusted OEMs like Collins Aerospace has proven to be very valuable to our overall mission readiness.”, Lieutenant General André Steur, Commander, Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force.

Logistics Centre Woensdrecht: A Centralized Hub

The choice of the Logistics Centre Woensdrecht (LCW) as the site for this new facility reinforces its status as a primary hub for European military aviation maintenance. The air base has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem for the F-35 program. It already hosts the F-35 National Air Vehicle Depot, which opened in 2024, as well as a Pratt & Whitney F135 Engine Depot. The addition of the Collins Aerospace avionics center effectively closes the loop, allowing Woensdrecht to service the airframe, the engine, and the avionics of the F-35 in a single location.

This consolidation of services offers significant synergistic benefits. It simplifies the supply chain and allows for more coordinated maintenance schedules. Beyond the F-35, the center also deepens the support for the CH-47F Chinook fleet. Collins Aerospace already holds a performance-based contract for the Dutch Chinook fleet, and this new agreement elevates that support to a deeper depot level, ensuring long-term sustainability for heavy-lift transport capabilities.

We also observe that this partnership involves a transfer of knowledge and skills to the local workforce. Netherlands Secretary of Defense Gijs Tuinman highlighted that the collaboration would increase technical know-how within the Netherlands. This aligns with broader goals to strengthen the domestic defense and technological base, ensuring that the Netherlands remains a key node in the global support network for fifth-generation airpower.

Conclusion

The agreement between Collins Aerospace and the Royal Netherlands Air Forces marks a pivotal step in fortifying the logistics backbone of European air defense. By establishing a dedicated avionics service center at Woensdrecht, the partnership addresses immediate operational needs while laying the groundwork for long-term fleet sustainability. The move to a GOCO model reflects a modern approach to defense logistics, leveraging industrial expertise to maintain high readiness levels for the F-35 and CH-47F fleets.

Looking ahead, the facility is poised to become a regional asset, supporting allied nations and reducing dependency on trans-Atlantic supply chains. As the facility moves toward initial capability in 2026, it is expected to play a central role in the “Fight Tonight” readiness strategy, ensuring that European air forces remain agile and capable in the face of evolving security challenges.

FAQ

Question: What is the purpose of the new service center?
Answer: The center will provide depot-level avionics repair, maintenance, and supply chain management for military aircraft, specifically focusing on improving operational readiness and reducing repair turnaround times.

Question: Where will the facility be located?
Answer: The facility will be located at the Logistics Centre Woensdrecht (LCW) at Woensdrecht Air Base in the Netherlands.

Question: Which aircraft will be supported by this center?
Answer: The center will primarily support the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet and the CH-47F Chinook transport helicopter.

Question: When is the facility expected to be operational?
Answer: Initial depot capabilities are expected to be available by 2026.

Sources

RTX Press Release