Conflict-proven CUAS radars strengthen national readiness as Europe continues to build out its domestic drone wall capabilities.
On 11 December 2025, The Hague, Netherlands, Robin Radar Systems commemorated a major contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply 100 of its flagship IRIS drone-detection radars. It marked 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 timescales, the radars are in the process of deployment across key Dutch air bases and critical infrastructure sites. The first 30 radar systems shipped within 24 hours.
The deal underlines a necessary shift towards quicker innovation cycles, emphasizing a need for immediate, increased national airspace protection in NATO countries.
Global conflicts have revealed the debilitating risks weaponized drones pose, prompting NATO countries like the Netherlands to respond. That shift is expected to extend to civilian infrastructure such as ports, airports, prisons, and energy sites, along with high-profile events.
For three consecutive years, Robin Radar has provided IRIS systems to Ukraine via the MoD’s Task Force for Ukraine to help protect its infrastructure and armed forces. As well as strengthening technical capability, this has enabled the production of bespoke, battle-proven solutions in support of the Dutch national security response.
The collaboration also follows a series of recent drone sightings over several air bases in the Netherlands and neighboring countries, heightening the urgency for the Dutch government to bolster its own counter-UAS capability.
IRIS has been innovated carefully to detect, track, and classify small, fast-flying, and elusive drones. Deals like this one directly fund the upgrades and technical breakthroughs that increase the radar’s detection range, accuracy, and overall performance. For example, a recent system update introduces the IRIS Long-Range-Mode, which provides the option to switch to 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 defence 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 US 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