A strong drone industry starts with a strong supply chain

A good example is the proposed collaboration between DeltaQuad and Eindhoven-based Metis Technology Group. The companies have signed a letter of intent to jointly strengthen the Dutch electronics supply chain for tactical drones.

As part of the collaboration, Variass and AME (Applied Micro Electronics), both part of Metis Group, will contribute to areas including PCB assembly, module integration and engineering for DeltaQuad’s existing drone platforms. DeltaQuad will retain responsibility for the design and ownership of the drones, while at the same time aiming to further scale up manufacturing capacity in Europe.

For Brainport, this is an interesting development.

Behind every drone system lies a much broader technology supply chain. This includes electronics, embedded systems, sensors, communications, software, precision technology, engineering and systems integration. In many of these areas, the Brainport region has specialist expertise and high-quality manufacturing capabilities.

Brainport therefore does not need to be the place where an entire drone is built to play an important role in the drone industry. The region’s strength also lies in the technology, engineering and manufacturing capacity behind the end product.

This creates opportunities for many more companies than just those that already consider themselves defence companies. Specialist technologies, components and manufacturing capacity from existing high-tech supply chains can also be of significant value to the defence industry.

Read more about the collaboration DeltaQuad en Metis Technology Group in The Defense Post.