Robin Radar and TNO to develop airborne radar for ground surveillance and search-and-rescue

Robin Radar Systems has entered a strategic partnership with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) to industrialise and commercialise a new multi-mode airborne radar.

Designed for advanced ground imaging, search-and-rescue missions, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for defence, security, emergency response and government users, the innovative new radar platform will be deployed as a payload aboard large unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). At a time when situational awareness in complex and degraded environments is becoming increasingly critical.

A project years in the making

The initiative builds on years of collaborative research and development within the Dutch defence innovation ecosystem through the Multi-function Radar Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (MRaISR) programme.

Under the new partnership, we’ll lead the productisation and commercial development of the radar system, building on foundational research and system concepts developed by TNO, into an operational capability for defence, security, emergency response and government users.

“Robin Radar has spent more than a decade pushing the boundaries of radar technology, and this agreement marks an exciting new chapter for the company. TNO has developed an incredibly innovative concept and we are proud to help transform that capability into an operational product. The ability to generate detailed intelligence and situational awareness from unmanned platforms, regardless of weather or visibility conditions, is becoming increasingly important across both defence and civilian applications.”

Siete Hamminga, CEO, Robin Radar Systems

Navigating complex environments

Designed to be deployed aboard large UAS, the new radar functions as a sophisticated airborne imaging sensor capable of building detailed pictures of activity on the ground and sea across large areas and in challenging operating conditions. 

Unlike traditional optical cameras, radar-based imaging can remain effective in darkness, adverse weather, smoke, dust, and other harsh environments where visual sensors become limited.

The system incorporates multiple operational modes, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging, Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI), and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), allowing operators to detect, track, and analyse activity across complex environments while maintaining long-range situational awareness.

These modes will all be processed on board, eliminating the data-transmission bottleneck that often affects such systems.

“Through this partnership, we are moving beyond R&D into operational impact. By combining TNO’s system expertise with Robin Radar’s industrial capabilities, we accelerate the delivery of advanced airborne sensing solutions that strengthen mission effectiveness in complex environments. In this way, we also extend our contribution to the competitiveness of Dutch industry.”

Philip Weimar, Director Electromagnetics & Military Operations, TNO

Expanding technology portfolio

The partnership represents a significant expansion of our technology portfolio beyond airspace surveillance and counter-UAS applications, leveraging the company’s expertise in radar engineering, manufacturing, and software development to bring a new generation of airborne sensing capabilities to market.

As part of the agreement, we’ll work closely with TNO to further mature the platform, optimise its performance for deployment on unmanned aircraft, and prepare the system for future operational users.