The Dutch Ministry of Defence has made a significant advancement in its efforts to protect military sites and airports by signing a contract to purchase 100 drone-detection radars from the local manufacturer Robin Radar. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing security in the Netherlands, particularly in light of increasing drone-related incidents.
Under the terms of the agreement, the first units of the radar systems are expected to be delivered shortly, with a phased rollout scheduled to continue through 2026. The strategic placement of these radars will encompass airbases, critical infrastructure, and various defense units, aiming to provide the armed forces with enhanced reaction time upon detecting potential drone threats.
Alongside the radar systems, support vehicles are anticipated to arrive early next year, further bolstering operational readiness.
Robin Radar’s technology is notable for its ability to distinguish between unmanned aerial systems and other objects, such as birds—an issue that has plagued drone monitoring efforts at airports across Europe. The company’s models, including Max, Iris, and Elvira, offer comprehensive scanning capabilities, refreshing data approximately every second and providing three-dimensional tracking for operators.
Recent developments have also indicated that the company’s technology has benefited from battlefield applications in Ukraine. Feedback from Ukrainian forces utilizing these radar systems, provided as part of Dutch military aid, led to a software upgrade that significantly improved the detection range of the Iris model.
While the Ministry of Defence has yet to disclose which specific version of the technology will be implemented through this latest investment, the urgency of the order coincides with several drone disruptions experienced near Eindhoven Airport and Volkel Air Base. Incidents in these areas have halted flights and triggered security responses as drones were spotted in restricted zones. However, officials have not revealed the origins of these aircraft.
This trend of drone-related disturbances is not isolated to the Netherlands, as similar incidents have been reported across Europe in recent months, raising widespread concerns about unauthorized unmanned flights near sensitive locations. The Dutch government’s proactive measures in securing drone detection capabilities reflect a growing recognition of the risks posed by small, unmanned aerial vehicles in the vicinity of critical infrastructure.
