Dutch manufacturer Defenture is working with Robin Radar Systems to integrate radar technology on the Mammoth and GRF platforms. This gives the light tactical vehicles a permanent role in detecting drones, without the need for separate sensor masts or static set-ups.
The announcement came in a short social media post, but the technical implications are concrete. A compact radar unit providing 360-degree coverage has been placed on the vehicles’ roofs. The system is designed to detect small, low-flying objects such as quadcopters, fixed-wing drones and loitering munitions.
Radar on a moving platform
Robin Radar is known for its specialised drone radars. Instead of large air defence radars with ranges of hundreds of kilometres, the company focuses on detecting small targets at low altitude. That is technically harder than it sounds.
Small drones have a very limited radar reflection. The radar cross section — the extent to which an object reflects radar energy — is sometimes no larger than that of a bird. They also fly low, often below the radar coverage of traditional systems.
The solution lies in high resolution and fast signal processing. Modern drone radars use short wavelengths and smart software that recognises patterns. The system filters out birds and flags objects that behave differently.
Placing this technology directly on the Mammoth and GRF creates a mobile detection platform. This means a unit can continuously monitor the airspace while on the move or at temporary positions.
Mammoth and GRF as sensor carriers
The Mammoth is the heavier vehicle in Defenture’s portfolio. (Used, for example, by the German armed forces) The platform is modular and can be configured for transport, command or special operations. The GRF is more compact and lighter, intended for rapid deployment and airmobile units. This vehicle is used by the Dutch armed forces.
Both vehicles are designed for high mobility. Four-wheel drive, long suspension travel and low weight allow them to move quickly over rough terrain.
Adding radar changes their role. Where they previously served mainly as transport or command vehicles, they can now function as forward sensor posts.
That is relevant in scenarios in which small drones are used for reconnaissance or targeted attacks. In recent conflicts, light vehicles have regularly been targeted by cheap FPV drones. A vehicle that can detect threats itself considerably increases the crew’s reaction time.
Integration without fixed infrastructure
An important element is integration at vehicle platform level. Instead of a separate radar installation with a generator and separate data line, the system is built directly into the vehicle.
That means power comes from the onboard system and the radar is linked to existing communications equipment. Detection data can thus be sent directly to a command post or shared within a network.
Modern operations revolve around the speed of information. When a radar detects a drone at, say, three kilometres, every second counts. The information must be immediately available for countermeasures.
Those can range from electronic jamming to kinetic means. The radar itself does not take anything out; it is a detection system. But without reliable detection, every response comes too late.
Image: Defenture
Compact but scalable
The radar unit on the roof looks relatively small. That is deliberate. Large rotating radar dishes are not practical on light tactical vehicles. The system must be able to withstand vibration, dust and weather.
The construction appears stabilised and aerodynamically finished, which points to long-term use in varied conditions.
The compact size also allows rapid deployment. A vehicle can quickly be moved to a vulnerable location, such as a temporary base, a convoy or a border area.
That creates flexibility that fixed radar installations do not offer.
The anti-drone threat is growing
The partnership fits a broader trend. European armed forces are investing in means against small unmanned systems. Traditional air defence was designed against fighter jets, helicopters or larger missiles.
Small drones operate below that threshold. They fly low, are cheap and can be deployed in large numbers at once.
Mobile detection platforms form a first layer of defence. Not as a replacement for heavy air defence, but as a supplement close to the troops.
The combination of a Dutch vehicle and a Dutch radar is notable. It means short lines between the manufacturer and the sensor supplier, so integration can be adapted more quickly to specific requirements.
