The Hague, Netherlands – Robin Radar Systems has commemorated a major contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply 100 of its flagship IRIS drone-detection radars. The agreement represents one of Europe’s largest investments in drone-detection sensing to date.
Following Dutch parliamentary approval two weeks ago, the first 50 IRIS systems have already been delivered, with initial user groups having completed operational training. Reversing traditionally years-long delivery timelines, the radars are now being deployed across key Dutch air bases and critical infrastructure sites. The first 30 radar systems shipped within just 24 hours.
The deal underscores a necessary shift toward faster innovation cycles, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced national airspace protection across NATO countries.
Global conflicts have exposed the debilitating risks posed by weaponized drones, prompting NATO members like the Netherlands to respond. This shift is expected to extend to civilian infrastructure—including ports, airports, prisons, energy sites, and high-profile events.
For three consecutive years, Robin Radar has supplied IRIS systems to Ukraine via the MoD’s Task Force for Ukraine to help protect its infrastructure and armed forces. This has not only strengthened technical capability but also enabled the production of bespoke, battle-proven solutions in support of Dutch national security.
The collaboration follows a series of recent drone sightings over multiple air bases in the Netherlands and neighboring countries, heightening urgency for the Dutch government to bolster its counter-UAS capability.
IRIS has been carefully engineered to detect, track, and classify small, fast-flying, and elusive drones. Deals like this directly fund upgrades and technical breakthroughs that increase detection range, accuracy, and overall performance. For example, a recent system update introduces IRIS Long-Range-Mode, offering an instrumented detection range of 5 to 12km.
“In today’s environment, speed is critical. Traditional multi-year innovation cycles are no longer enough. Nations need a new generation of companies that can innovate, scale, and deliver rapidly. We have gone from producing 20 radars a year to eight per week, and with this Dutch MoD order, the first 30 systems were delivered within 24 hours of signing. Early warning saves lives, and rapid deployment makes that possible. The context in which we currently live means defense technology must move faster than ever, and necessity has truly become the mother of our present and future innovations.” – Siete Hamminga, CEO, Robin Radar Systems
“Our experience securing major events like the Paris Olympics with Thales and supporting federal security agencies across the U.S. and Canada shows that homeland security is becoming the next major, sustained area of CUAS growth. Civilian airspace and critical infrastructure operators now understand that drone detection is no longer optional; it’s essential.” – Marcel Verdonk, CCO, Robin Radar Systems
