15 Years of Robin:  From Binoculars to Breakthroughs Ahead of Their Time

2025 marks 15 years of Robin Radar Systems! 

On June 23, 2010, on a glaringly bright day for radar innovation, Siete Hamminga officially registered the company with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

Since then, we’ve curbed bird strikes and collisions and bolstered drone detection, leading a radar revolution that safeguards skies everywhere today. Our technologies touch runways, wind farms, military bases, political summits and world stages.

Today we’re marking 15 years of Robin with 15 milestones that sent us soaring into another phase of growth and change.

Join us as we count them down.

1. Bird control goes on the radar (2010)

Once upon a time, monitoring bird activity around airports meant standing in a tower with binoculars, daylight, and even a stroke of good luck.

But, in the back offices of a TNO building in The Hague, we were taking essential steps to change all that. A handful of like-minds, spearheaded by high-tech entrepreneur and current CEO, Siete, were using technology pioneered by TNO and ESA to create our very first radar system, 3D Fixed/Flex.

It would be designed explicitly for bird detection, to provide bird control teams with the actionable information and real-time insights needed to keep critical airspace safe. 

It was the beginning of a new era in aviation safety, and it was sealed in our first integral partnership just two years later.

2. Crucial partners jumped aboard (2012)

In 2012, we achieved our first big European tender from Schiphol airport. They saw what we saw, and became one of the first airports to install specialised avian radar to monitor and prevent the threat of bird strikes.

Our first major investors also joined us: INKEF Capital, and Mainport Innovation Fund invested millions in our growth.

With their belief and backing, Robin’s first steps became an undeniable movement.

3. Number one in drone detection (2014)

In 2014, drone use was advancing fast. They were fast becoming a formidable threat to airspace safety and security everywhere.

We used drones in testing cycles (and still do), so we knew our radars could detect them, and that we had the potential to help. But, could we build a radar that distinguishes drones from birds, classifies them accurately and tracks their erratic flight?

The challenge was steep, but the answer became ELVIRA.

The same year, the Dutch government set the industry a simple but compelling challenge: create solutions for the intervention and detection of small drones.

Out of 38 companies, Robin ranked number one.

4. A Radar Fit for Royalty (2015)

In 2015, we were carefully innovating our next generation avian radar, MAX. We believed in the power of 3D detection combined with 360° coverage, not just for airports and air bases, but at wind farms and for ecological research, too.

That thinking caught the attention of HRH King Willem-Alexander, a licensed pilot with a sharp interest in bird strike prevention.

During a state visit to Denmark, we showcased our avian radar alongside Dutch offshore wind innovations.

5. Watching Over World Leaders (2016)

Once launched, ELVIRA quickly proved its worth in mission-critical environments. The system gave us a solid foothold in the defence and security sector.

From the Hanover Fair in Germany (2016) to the G20 summit in Hamburg (2017) and, later, the NATO summits in Brussels (2018), our radar kept the skies clear while world leaders made pivotal decisions.

Protecting heads of state was once a dream. By now, it’s become another day at the office. But we certainly don’t take it for granted, we know it’s thanks to a growing and talented team. 

6. Great Place to Work (2019)

Culture has always been at the forefront of our work and mission. Collaboration through challenge is only possible when we love what we do. We keep it real with each other, and our customers, and empower each other to listen and learn.

So, in 2019, when we became an officially certified Great Place to Work, we were elated that our efforts to keep our Robin spirit were paying off.

Even more so that we’ve worn the badge ever since, for 6 consecutive years straight.

7. Innovation across three dimensions (2020)

By now, our flagship avian radar, MAX, has been launched and has made 3D, 360° coverage the new standard in bird detection. It’s time to do the same for drone detection.

IRIS comes to market to redefine specialised drone radar like never before. It’s small, lightweight, full 3D, built to integrate, with mighty powers of detection, tracking and classification.

Over the coming years, we bolster its performance even more with leaps and bounds made in micro-Doppler and Deep Neural Networks (DNNs). 

8. Double Digits (2020)

We turned 10 at the toughest point of the strangest year imaginable. 2020, in the midst of COVID.
We told our story through 10 milestones celebrating our achievements, but  who knew that the best was yet to come… 

10. Bird Detection meets Deterrence (2021)

In 2021, we pooled our powers with the UK-based Scarecrow Group.

Known for their bio-acoustic bird dispersal systems, Scarecrow helped us double down on the synergy between detection and deterrence. A more holistic approach to wildlife management, and a leap forward for aviation safety.

11. A New Frontline for IRIS (2023) 

As the global defense landscape shifted, so did the needs for airspace security. In 2023, with drone and UAS strikes becoming a critical concern on the Ukrainian battlefield, the Dutch Ministry of Defence turned to Robin Radar Systems.

We proudly delivered 51 static IRIS C-UAS radar systems, a contract that spurred an invaluable scaling of IRIS production and provided us with critical frontline feedback. This real-world insight propelled our innovation forward, particularly in how IRIS detects large, fixed-wing UAS.

The success of this initial order led to a second batch of 51 IRIS radars, now equipped with our cutting-edge on-the-move (OTM) functionality.

We are honoured that IRIS contributes to the safety of the Ukrainian people.

12. Touchdown in the USA (2024)

Two years after forging our first connection with a major U.S. customer, Boeing, Robin Radar Systems officially expanded its global footprint with the opening of a dedicated office in the  U.S. National Capital Region. The office, located in Ashburn, VA, marks another significant company milestone. For Robin, establishing a U.S. entity underscores the importance of being close to its clients, with the U.S. market showing a robust demand for advanced radar technologies.

Within months of establishing Robin Radar USA Inc., our visibility soared to new heights. Congressional leaders publicly championed our systems, calling for solutions like "the Robin" to bolster U.S. Homeland Security. We were grateful to step up and collaborate with the United States government from federal to local level, and became a prime-time feature across major networks like ABC, CBS, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, and USA Today. Our favourite headline will always remain: "Gotham has Batman, but New York wants Robin."

13. The Brand Gets a Makeover (2024)

In the dynamic world of technology, change is the only true constant.

Embracing this spirit, we were thrilled to unveil Robin's refreshed look, a new tagline, and a striking new emblem!

Robin has a long and colourful past. While the refresh preserves that heritage, it more clearly reflects the innovation that makes Robin a transformative market leader today.

We've scaled, launching unique products with winning campaigns. We've transcended far beyond our roots, but has our brand? It has now.

14. Parcom Joins the Flight (2024)

A new chapter of growth truly took flight in 2024, as Dutch private equity firm Parcom became a major investor in Robin Radar Systems.

Their invaluable support provides us with robust fuel to accelerate our scale, the freedom to push the boundaries of innovation even further, and a clear runway for the exhilarating next phase of our journey.

15. Robin Turns 15 (2025)

Our 15th milestone is an incredible way to celebrate our 15th anniversary! Robin Radar Systems has proudly secured a top spot in the FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2025!

We are absolutely thrilled to rank among Europe’s most dynamic enterprises, especially since we landed within the top 10 in the Netherlands (out of 54)!

What’s more, Robin is the only Aerospace & Defence company from the Netherlands to be recognized, and the second fastest-growing Aerospace & Defence company across all of Europe.

This prestigious ranking, meticulously compiled by the Financial Times and Statista, spotlights the continent's 1000 most rapidly expanding companies.

To have made it to #240 is a true privilege, and one thing is for sure: we would never have reached this altitude without our brilliant team, tenacious partners, and visionary customers. This one’s for you! 🚀🎉