In early November 2025 a news item woke up the Dutch defence world: the Ministry of Defence ordered 100 advanced radars from Robin Radar Systems. The first units went almost immediately to airfields and air bases; the rest will be delivered in phases in 2026. The goal is simple but important: recognising airborne threats faster — especially small, fast drones that can sneak under conventional radar and detection systems. Good to see a Dutch company once again making its mark in the defence field.
Who is Robin Radar — and why this company in particular
What may come as a surprising choice to many is very logical in Robin Radar’s case: the company is Dutch in origin — and that makes this radar deal special. Robin’s roots go back to 1980, when research lab TNO was working for the Royal Netherlands Air Force on systems to prevent bird strikes. The name “ROBIN” stood for “Radar Observation of Bird Intensity.”
In 2010 entrepreneur Siete Hamminga saw opportunities. He brought the technology from TNO to market — and so Robin Radar Systems was born. What was initially intended to monitor birds around airfields has grown in just over 15 years into an internationally valued radar player.
In 2024 came an important milestone: investment company Parcom took over Robin Radar. With extra capital and ambition, Robin wants to scale up internationally — conquering new markets, including in North America, and making its radar technology widely available.
Today Robin Radar has more than 150 employees from dozens of nationalities, works with decades of radar experience and maintains hundreds of radar installations worldwide. Its products range from radars for bird and environmental protection to high-tech drone detection, civilian and military.
(video Robin Radar: this shows how the radar detects the drones in cooperation with OpenWorks.
Radar against drones — how Robin sees the threat
Robin laid the foundation with radars for bird movements, but it soon became clear that the same technology could be applied to something much more dangerous: drones. When drones became a reality around airports and battlefields, Robin was able to adapt its algorithms and sensors and switch to drone detection.
Its small but powerful IRIS radar unit — about the size of a fat beer keg and weighing 29 kg — can be mounted on a vehicle or tripod. The radar is designed to detect small objects, low flyers and autonomous drones and to distinguish them from birds or aircraft.
Importantly: IRIS and other Robin systems have proven their effectiveness. During the war in Ukraine, dozens of radars were supplied to detect Russian drones — more than 200 radars are now said to be active there, according to CEO Hamminga. Feedback from the Ukrainian armed forces led to a software upgrade that increased the detection range from 5 km to 12 km. That gives defenders precious extra seconds to respond.
Why this 100-radar deal is so important for the Netherlands
For the Netherlands, the deal with Robin Radar means more than an extra investment: it is a strategic choice. Instead of buying foreign systems — with the dependencies that come with them — we are now choosing our own technology, developed and produced at home. That strengthens sovereignty and gives Dutch air and defence infrastructure its own reliable foundation.
Moreover, the deal shows that the Netherlands is adapting to a new security reality: drones are not only in Ukraine but also in the Netherlands. Fast, cheap, sometimes autonomous UAVs have created a new dimension of threat. Small drones above an air base or airport can cause chaos — and that calls for systems that are not outdated, but modern, flexible and mobile.
Robin Radar’s history — from bird radar to anti-drone expertise — is remarkable: it shows that innovation does not always require large-scale defence companies, but that smart technology and Dutch talent are enough to stay relevant.
(Image Robin Radar)
How Robin itself views its growth — and what it plans to do
Where five years ago Robin Radar was still making about 20 radars a year, by the end of 2025 it is aiming for production figures of six radars a week. That is an enormous leap.
The takeover by Parcom helps with this: with extra capital, international networks and growth ambitions, Robin is ready for the world market. It focuses not only on defence, but also on civilian security: airports, critical infrastructure, wind farms, events, companies — anywhere aviation or drone threats exist.
Robin likes to present itself as a company with a dual mission: safety for people and nature. Its radars help not only with drone detection, but previously also with bird management, preventing bird strikes and environmental protection at wind farms. That mix of technological innovation and social relevance remains an important part of its identity.
What lies ahead — a strategic turning point
With the 100 radars, the Netherlands is much better prepared for the drone threat. But according to Robin Radar, this is only the beginning. The company is looking at expanding applications: mobile radars, integration with other anti-drone systems, international exports and even satellite or space projects. There are plans, for example, to work with miniature radar systems for microsatellites. We are keeping an eye on Robin Radar and are curious to see what Robin Radar will bring in the future.
