News

Robin Radar Systems selects Schuberg Philis to strengthen mission-critical systems

Robin Radar — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:02:45 GMT

Two Dutch technology leaders are partnering to scale and strengthen digital resilience and critical infrastructure.

Robin Radar Systems and Schuberg Philis, the Netherlands’ leading mission-critical IT partner, announces a major, long-term strategic partnership.

Together, the companies will work to scale Robin Radar’s operations, strengthen its IT backbone, and position the company for the next phase of its international growth, without compromising the speed, reliability and innovation that have made the company a global leader in radar technology.

The world is changing rapidly. Geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats and the rise of autonomous systems are driving unprecedented demand for Robin Radar’s solutions. To scale its systems and processes with this demand, while ensuring continuous availability and security, Robin Radar will leverage Schuberg Philis’ proven expertise to do just this.

Robin Radar Systems has built a strong reputation over two decades for delivering breakthrough radar technology, from protecting airports against bird strikes to detecting and classifying drones with exceptional precision. As global demand for defence and security solutions has surged, Robin Radar has grown at an extraordinary pace, serving governments, airports and defence organisations around the world. As its technology becomes increasingly mission-critical, the digital environment supporting it must meet the same standard of reliability.

For more than two decades, Schuberg Philis has helped organisations whose continuity is essential to society keep complex IT environments secure, adaptable and continuously available. This is achieved not simply by managing technology, but by taking end-to-end responsibility for the operational continuity of mission-critical business processes.

Schuberg Philis has long been the partner of choice for organisations where technology failure is not an option, from financial infrastructure to critical national systems. The partnership with Robin Radar marks a natural extension of that mission into the defence and security domain.

Both companies take pride in their Dutch roots. The Netherlands has a long tradition of engineering excellence, pragmatic innovation and uncompromising quality, and this partnership embodies that spirit.

Where global defence primes can take years to deliver, Robin Radar measures its production in weeks, without sacrificing the security standards and quality that defence and critical infrastructure customers demand. Schuberg Philis brings the same bias for speed, security and hands-on delivery to the IT domain.

The long-term agreement covers a broad and growing scope of work. As Robin Radar expands its footprint across defence ministries, NATO partners and critical infrastructure operators, Schuberg Philis will provide the operational backbone enabling that growth.

“We build radar systems that protect people, airports, borders and critical infrastructure. The impact of that work demands an IT partner that shares the same sense of responsibility. Schuberg Philis truly understands what mission-critical means. This partnership gives us the foundation to scale globally without ever compromising quality, speed or security.”

Siete Hamminga, CEO of Robin Radar Systems

“We didn’t want a partner that would slow us down. Schuberg Philis understood that immediately. They matched our pace from day one and proved their value before we even signed a contract. That’s rare.”

Frank Roerink, CFO of Robin Radar Systems

“This partnership is about far more than IT. It’s about enabling an organisation to grow globally without ever compromising its identity or the quality that defines it. That’s exactly what we stand for.”

Gerwin Schuring, CEO of Schuberg Philis

“Robin Radar has built an exceptional position in a market that is becoming increasingly important for both society and national security. Their technology protects what matters most. Our role is to ensure that their digital operations are just as reliable and adaptable as the products they deliver, enabling them to stay focused on innovation and growth.”

Gerwin Schuring, CEO of Schuberg Philis

Robin Radar and TNO to develop airborne radar for ground and sea surveillance and imaging

Robin Radar — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:36:07 GMT

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 and sea imaging, search-and-rescue missions, and intelligence, surface 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.

Robin supports FIFA World Cup security operations with the mass deployment of IRIS drone radars

Robin Radar — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:16:01 GMT

Robin Radar Systems is providing unrivalled airspace awareness for one of the largest security operations in sporting history with the mass deployment of IRIS drone radars at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

As final preparations continue for the FIFA World Cup, we’re proud to confirm that more than 30 IRIS drone-detection radars have been deployed to support security operations across North America, highlighting the scale of the airspace security effort underway ahead of the tournament.

IRIS is being used by the U.S. Government and State, Local, Territorial, and Tribal (SLTT) law enforcement partners as part of broader counter-UAS operations to detect, track, and monitor unauthorized drone activity around various World Cup locations.

“More than 30 IRIS radars are now part of the World Cup security picture, giving agencies a real-time, 3D view of the airspace over venues and the crowds around them. Drones are the fastest-growing threat at major public events, and you can't counter what you can't see. We're proud IRIS is the layer that makes that airspace visible – working alongside the agencies and integration partners defending it.”

Kristian Brost, General Manager, North America, Robin Radar Systems

Adapting to the modern drone threat

Delivering 3D insights and 360° airspace awareness, IRIS is built to detect, track, and classify airborne objects, including small fixed-wing and hovering drones that can evade traditional detection methods.

With an instrumented range of 12 kilometers, our drone radar is engineered for early warning, giving authorities the time and space to assess threats, coordinate responses, and act decisively.

IRIS has been used extensively in active conflict environments, including Ukraine, providing operational validation in mission-critical settings. That experience has informed product refinement and accelerated scaling, applying conflict-proven technology to the domestic setting.

This isn’t the first time IRIS has been deployed to protect sporting venues on the world stage. In 2024, our radar helped protect the Paris 2024 Olympics as part of the event’s advanced anti-drone PARADE system.

We look forward to helping protect the FIFA World Cup in North America alongside our capable collaborators, and hope to play our part in making it a safe and memorable event.

Robin announces IRIS On-The-Move (OTM) at Sea to strengthen maritime drone detection

Robin Radar — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:19:30 GMT

Robin Radar Systems introduces IRIS OTM at Sea, a major expansion of its IRIS On-The-Move (OTM) capability that brings rapid-response drone detection to ports, vessels, harbours, and critical maritime infrastructure.

Designed for seamless land-to-sea deployments, the comprehensive update will strengthen counter-UAS protection for shipping lanes, naval operations, and coastal assets.

Countering maritime threats

The announcement comes at a time of heightened instability across global shipping routes, with recent tensions in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz underscoring the growing threat posed by drones to international trade, ports, offshore assets, and civilian vessels.

As fixed-wing Shahed drones and low-flying unmanned systems become increasingly prevalent across maritime environments, governments and operators are seeking scalable, rapidly deployable sensing systems capable of delivering reliable early warning at sea.

“What we are seeing globally is that the drone threat is no longer confined to the battlefield or to land-based infrastructure. Shipping lanes, ports, harbours and offshore assets are now all exposed to low-cost aerial threats that can disrupt trade, damage infrastructure and threaten civilian safety. The Strait of Hormuz has once again demonstrated how vulnerable critical maritime corridors can become during periods of instability. IRIS OTM at Sea is being designed to answer that challenge with a rapidly deployable, software-defined capability that can move seamlessly between land and sea.”

Siete Hamminga, CEO, Robin Radar Systems

Originally developed to operate from moving land vehicles travelling at speeds exceeding 100km/h, IRIS On-The-Move will now be adapted for maritime environments through advanced software enhancements that compensate for sea clutter, vessel movement, and challenging coastal conditions.

Extreme marine environments

Designed to be mounted on vessels, IRIS OTM at Sea will detect, track, and classify drones while travelling at speeds of up to 54 knots, operating effectively in extreme environments thanks to its salt- and corrosion-resistant engineering, resonance tolerance, and EMC-compliant architecture.

Unlike traditional static radars, IRIS is designed to move with the threat itself, providing persistent situational awareness across highly dynamic environments.

The radar’s software architecture will be updated to filter out heavy sea reflections and environmental clutter to isolate small airborne threats operating close to the waterline, an increasingly important capability as drone incursions continue to evolve across maritime theatres.

The maritime update has been shaped directly by operational lessons from ongoing live-fire environments, where the need for flexible, mobile counter-UAS systems capable of protecting dynamic environments has accelerated dramatically.

Our engineering teams have adapted the system specifically to address the increasing use of fixed-wing drones and low-altitude aerial threats around strategic shipping corridors and maritime infrastructure.

“Modern security demands speed and flexibility. Operators need systems that can deploy quickly, integrate easily, and adapt as threats evolve. What makes this update important is that we are taking a combat-proven radar and extending its capabilities into one of the most operationally complex environments in the world. The future of counter-UAS is not static infrastructure, it is agile, mobile sensing systems capable of protecting people, critical infrastructure and global commerce wherever threats emerge.”

Vivien Croes, Chief Technical Officer, Robin Radar Systems

Redefining at-sea awareness

Unlike traditional naval radar systems designed primarily to monitor large vessels and aircraft, IRIS is purpose-built for drone detection and classification, capable of tracking drones ranging from hovering targets through to high-speed aerial threats travelling at up to 100 metres per second.

The maritime upgrade will be made available across existing IRIS deployments globally without requiring hardware replacement, enabling current operators to rapidly expand operational capability as threats evolve.

Robin expands U.S. operations to meet rising security demands

Robin Radar — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:29:59 GMT

Robin Radar Systems has expanded its presence in the United States, appointing senior representatives across its Business Development and Sales teams, as national security continues to rise to prominence.

Among key appointments, Robin Radar U.S. has hired former law enforcement officer Brooks Davis as Homeland Security Sales Director, and Silicon Valley sales expert Jerry Courtney as Business Development Manager for Defense.

Targeted appointments

These strategic hires come at a time when national security threats in the US are increasing and the DOW is expanding its investment in protecting critical infrastructure.

Brooks offers deep operational insight from his frontline law enforcement background, while Jerry brings extensive experience in scaling technology solutions within complex government environments.

“Expanding our U.S. team is a key step in ensuring we can meet the growing demand for advanced radar solutions that protect both people and infrastructure. Brooks and Jerry bring exceptional expertise and credibility, strengthening our ability to support government and security agencies at a time when resilience and rapid response capabilities are more important than ever. With major global events on the horizon and increasing focus on homeland security, our investment in local talent ensures we are well-positioned to deliver reliable, high-performance detection systems where they are needed most.”

Kristian Brost, General Manager, North America, Robin Radar Systems

GROWING U.S. operations

The personnel expansion reflects Robin Radar’s readiness to support large-scale security operations, including the deployment of its conflict-proven IRIS drone-detection radar by components of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alongside state and local agencies.

These collaborative efforts are part of critical counter-UAS operations being established for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America.

HENSOLDT and Robin Partner to Protect Barn Swallows and Enhance Safety at King Shaka International Airport

Robin Radar — Tue, 19 May 2026 05:30:00 GMT

HENSOLDT South Africa and Robin Radar have joined forces to support Durban’s King Shaka International Airport in South Africa with a unique mission: protecting birds, especially Barn Swallows, and enhancing airline safety.

The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), or in isiZulu, the inkonjane yaseYurobhu ('swallow from Europe'), is an intercontinental migrant bird species that spends the austral summer mainly in the southern hemisphere, including southern Africa.

Mount Moreland Barn Swallow roost in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, is known for its remarkable numbers, where flocks of ~3 million gather each evening to roost from September to early March. Though spectacular, these gatherings leave the swallows vulnerable to airstrikes and create safety challenges for the nearby airport, a few kilometres away.

In response, prime contractor HENSOLDT has enlisted Robin’s support in deploying the purpose-built full 3D avian radar, MAX, with a Bird Viewer web-based display system at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. The deployment marks the first collaboration of its kind on the continent, with KSIA being one of only two airports on the African continent with this technology. This shows a growing need to find the balance between increasing safety and protecting biodiversity at airports.

MAX, which makes its debut in South Africa and brings its deployment tally to six continents, combines 3D (altitude information with 60° elevation coverage) with 360° horizontal coverage, and an instrumented range of 15 km.

Capabilities include rotation at 60 revolutions per minute, the fastest in the market. This radar system enables airports around the globe to track bird movements in real time, all around them, all year round.

An intersection of knowledge

As well as supporting the airport in an ecological and operational manner, the collaborative initiative brings together a multitude of expertise.

HENSOLDT: As the project’s lead contractor, HENSOLDT organised the integration of radar technology with local requirements, overseeing logistics and aligning the project with broader ESG principles.

Robin Radar Systems: Robin Radar is the Original Equipment Manufacturer, supplying MAX, as well as providing training and skill-building for users and the airport operator, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

ACSA: ACSA owns and operates South Africa's nine principal airports, including three international gateways: OR Tambo, Cape Town, and King Shaka International Airports.

University of KwaZulu-Natal: In an on-site collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the radar data will be shared to support ongoing research and conservation efforts. The university’s involvement in analysing the data could be pivotal in drawing insights that guide sustainable practices for years to come.

Protecting the Barn Swallow

As a migratory species that roosts communally, the Barn Swallow roosts are characterised by their large size and long-term, site-specific use of wetlands. These are vital habitats for the species during September to March, its non-breeding season in southern Africa.

These roosts are essential for maintaining the barn swallow population, supporting their ecological role in controlling insect populations, and conserving other wetland biodiversity. Protecting the species and their roost habitat includes understanding their unique behaviours, movements, and habits.

Researchers from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Discipline of Biological Sciences, are contributing to the radar programme by gathering data, correlating field-identified birds with radar-detected birds, and loading observed bird species names into the database. Correlating field- and web-based data helps refine our radar technology to better understand the local environment.

This is how MAX, which innovates for real-time monitoring and data collection of bird (and bat) behaviour, enters the setting at King Shaka International Airport.

In addition to mitigating the risk of bird strikes, the airport has deployed the system to support a dedicated study of the Barn Swallow and other bird species in the airport vicinity. These data will enhance habitat management policies and bring safety and operational efficiency to new heights.

A partnership forged in radar

HENSOLDT, a global high-tech pioneer for defence and security electronics and an established Robin partner, is committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

The project in Durban highlights the company’s focus on innovation through targeted investments in safety, security, and conservation initiatives.

“HENSOLDT has extensive experience integrating radar technologies at airports across Africa,” says Christiaan Pelser, Head of ATM and Services at HENSOLDT South Africa. “This project builds on that expertise, combining operational safety with environmental responsibility in a way that reflects the evolving priorities of the aviation sector.”

Beyond defence, HENSOLDT’s technologies have supported wildlife protection efforts globally – from safeguarding rhino populations in Africa to monitoring sensitive ecosystems in remote regions.

Pelser comments: “The King Shaka International project adds another chapter to this broader commitment to protecting both critical infrastructure and the natural environment. The Durban deployment highlights a growing recognition across sectors that safeguarding ecosystems and ensuring safe operations are not opposing priorities. With the right technology and partnerships, they reinforce one another.”

Robin Manager of Customer Success - Avian, Alex Coccia, adds: “Though the MAX radar serves as an effective tool to bolster safety and empower bird control teams, its goals in this project are also very much centred around conservation. We’re excited to support King Shaka International, which is championing ecological practices as well as safety, and to work alongside our partners, HENSOLDT. We’ll provide training, support, and expertise, alongside our radar system.”

Tracking collective bird movements

MAX delivers 3D, 360° awareness, 365 days a year. With uniquely detailed detection and an extensive reporting database, it can track thousands of birds or bats simultaneously.

Additionally, the Report Viewer feature stores manually ground-truthed observations, environmental conditions, flight characteristics, and more, making it ideal for extensive analyses. Because MAX monitors continuously and equally well in darkness, it is also well-placed to track behaviours and gather data under the cover of night.

Coccia says: “Avian studies like this traditionally relied heavily on human observations, limited by daylight and time. GPS trackers are valuable in uncovering specific bird behaviours, but it is not feasible to tag more than a few dozen birds. Radar can track large flocks, revealing their size, flight paths, altitudes, speeds, and more. Its affinity for mass movements makes it an ideal tool for the study of the Barn Swallow and other bird species in the vicinity of the airport in Durban.”

Setting a new standard

The King Shaka International Airport project sets a new standard for how aviation and conservation can coexist.

The airport’s focus on protecting Africa’s birdlife highlights a growing recognition within the industry that safeguarding local ecosystems can and should go hand-in-hand with operational safety. It serves as a model for airports worldwide.

IRIS drone detection radars deployed in the Gulf region within weeks of order

Robin Radar — Tue, 05 May 2026 06:51:53 GMT

In response to the urgent security threat posed by small drones across the Middle East, Robin Radar Systems has delivered its IRIS counter-UAS radars to the Gulf region within weeks of order and is expanding manufacturing to support Gulf states.

As aerial conflict continues to unfold, speed and agility are key to strengthening drone defence systems.

Compact and quick to manufacture, our 3D drone radar, IRIS, has been delivered at short notice, integrating seamlessly into wider C-UAS systems to safeguard critical infrastructure across the Gulf, including key national sites, amid heightened threats – particularly from fixed-wing drones.

“Speed and reliability are critical in the current environment. Our ability to deliver and deploy IRIS quickly ensures our partners can respond to threats and protect vital infrastructure without delay. Just as important is the confidence operators have in the system once it is in place, IRIS provides clear, real-time insight in complex environments, enabling faster, better-informed decisions. With IRIS deployed in active conflict zones, we continuously refine and enhance the system through real-world insights and ongoing operational feedback.”

Marcel Verdonk, Chief Commercial Officer, Robin Radar Systems

Detection as the first layer of defence

Aerial defence systems are only as effective as their detection capabilities. IRIS has been designed to integrate with command and control (C2) systems and wider C-UAS ecosystems to provide 360° coverage and advanced classification capabilities, enabling operators to detect and distinguish small drones in complex environments with high accuracy.

Lightweight and highly mobile, our 3D radar can be deployed by a single hands-on operator within 15 minutes, allowing for immediate operational use. This saves critical time in the field, ensuring fast, reliable drone detection within minutes – when it matters most.

For more diverse applications, our combat-proven technology can also operate in Long-Range Mode (LRM), extending instrumented range up to 12 km, or on-the-move (OTM) for vehicle-mounted use.

These capabilities are informed by real-world insights from Ukraine, where IRIS has been deployed to detect, track, and classify hostile drones, and are engineered to meet the mission-critical needs of operators navigating aerial threats in conflict zones.

As the situation in the Middle East evolves, we’re committed to protecting people and critical infrastructure across the region. Discussions continue with regional representatives on further IRIS deployments, all with a view to secure airspace and meet the growing demand for scalable counter-UAS solutions.

Robin Radar partners with DroneShield to expand its integrated defence ecosystem

Robin Radar — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:24:18 GMT

Robin Radar Systems has partnered with counter-drone technology provider DroneShield to make its 3D CUAS radar, IRIS, available for integration within its advanced aerial defence ecosystem.

A pioneer in the counter-drone sector, DroneShield provides smart systems that detect, track, identify, and mitigate unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Taking an ecosystem-first approach, the company works with proven third-party sensor providers to allow operators to choose the right sensing technology for their environment, threat profile, and defence goals.

It’s a partnership that makes perfect sense for Robin, as we continue to innovate and engineer CUAS radar systems designed for seamless integration and agile applications – with proven performance in real-world operations.

“At Robin, we see ourselves as a new-generation radar company – fast, adaptive, and built for integration. Our technology is designed to deliver cutting-edge drone detection, providing 360° situational awareness, and integrate seamlessly into security architectures. We’re pleased to be partnering with DroneShield to combine our market-leading IRIS 3D radar with their CUAS platform, enabling smarter, layered airspace protection worldwide.”

Marcel Verdonk, Chief Commercial Officer, Robin Radar Systems

Seamless integration for aerial defence

Built to detect drone threats with a considerably low false alarm rate, IRIS delivers long-range, 3D tracking via micro-Doppler and deep-learning algorithms, with a deployment time of less than 15 minutes. A seamless addition to aerial defence platforms of all shapes and sizes, our versatile radar has an interoperable API and can be easily mounted on buildings, tripods, and vehicles.

To fit into DroneShield’s wider air defence ecosystem, IRIS will integrate with its real-time command-and-control platform, DroneSentry-C2. This platform combines input from multiple sensors to create a consolidated operational picture for reduced ambiguity and better-informed decision making.

“Operators need systems that adapt to their mission, not the other way around. By partnering with Robin Radar Systems and expanding our sensor marketplace, we give customers more freedom to design their airspace security architecture.”

Angus Bean, Chief Product Officer, DroneShield

The partnership highlights a shared goal: to secure the world’s skies through collaborative, reliable technologies that protect people and critical infrastructure globally.

By integrating best-in-class drone detection systems with wider defence technologies, we’re excited to continue setting the standard for aerial defence alongside our new partners at DroneShield.

Photo: Sample configuration of DroneShield's DroneSentry layered defence with Robin Radar Systems

Siete Hamminga speaks on the critical need for fast, reliable small drone detection in the Middle East

Robin Radar — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:14:53 GMT

As conflict continues to unfold across the Middle East, Siete Hamminga, CEO of Robin Radar Systems, highlights the need for reliable counter UAS systems that combine rapid deployment with agility to address the growing threat of drone attacks.

Operational experience from recent conflicts is reshaping how countries think about protecting their airspace. Lessons from Ukraine in particular are providing valuable insight into how drone threats evolve and how defence systems must adapt to respond.

The detection dilemma

Every conflict is different, but there is a common trend. The low cost, quick manufacture nature of drones means that countries using them are changing strategies and tactics continuously. This is a massive challenge for their opponents and is changing how defence teams have to operate.

The aerial defence challenge facing Gulf nations is evolving rapidly.

Successful drone defence begins with detection. Many of the sophisticated air defence systems deployed across the region were designed to detect high end threats such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and manned aircraft. While effective against these targets, they are not optimised to detect and classify smaller unmanned aerial systems flying at low altitude. Yet these types of drones are increasingly being used in attacks across the region.

“A key issue today is the use of drones that fly low, slow and with a very small radar signature. Traditional air defence radars were never designed for this type of target or for the volumes that these can be used in. A further complication is that Iran is launching drones from multiple locations at multiple targets at once.”

Robin Radar has direct experience of these challenges in Ukraine, where fixed-wing drones pose a near-daily threat to critical infrastructure; that operational experience has informed the development of advanced radar capabilities specifically designed for drone detection, including the Long-Range Mode (LRM), which was developed and stress-tested through numerous IRIS deployments and led to the radar’s range being extended to 12 km in 2025.

“In Ukraine we have seen the pace of drone innovation accelerate dramatically,” said Siete. “That environment forces defence technologies to evolve quickly. The lessons learned there are directly relevant for countries facing similar threats today. Defenders must be able to detect, track and classify multiple small targets simultaneously across complex environments.”

Robin Radar’s 3D counter UAS radar, IRIS, was designed specifically to meet this challenge. It provides 360° coverage and can detect, classify, and track multiple drones simultaneously across a wide area. Lightweight and portable, IRIS can be deployed in under 15 minutes on buildings, tripods, or vehicles, and even operates while on the move. Its rapid deployment, real-time classification, and easy integration with existing defence systems allow operators to identify threats earlier and respond faster as situations evolve.

Robin Radar has already deployed IRIS in Ukraine, Jordan and other Gulf nations to support air defence operations. By providing reliable early detection and classification of drone threats, these systems help operators respond faster and integrate detection into wider defence networks.

The need for this type of capability is increasingly clear in the Middle East, where long range drones can travel significant distances and operate across large and complex theatres.

A flexible response to an evolving threat

Another lesson from recent conflicts is that drone threats evolve extremely quickly. New platforms appear, tactics change, and attack profiles shift over time. Defence systems must therefore be flexible enough to adapt as the conflict environment changes.

IRIS was designed with this in mind. Its architecture allows systems to be deployed rapidly and integrated with existing air defence networks. As new threats emerge, IRIS radar coverage can be expanded or repositioned to protect critical infrastructure, military assets and civilian populations. This flexibility allows countries to respond dynamically as the threat develops rather than relying on static systems that are difficult to adapt.

“The reality is that drone threats change continuously,” said Siete. “Defence systems need to be able to adapt just as fast. Flexibility and rapid deployment are essential. We are seeing in the Middle East that targeting can vary day by day as the participants trade blows.”

The economic challenge

When compact, relatively low cost drones pose a recurring threat to critical infrastructure and people, they must be neutralised repeatedly. Yet the countermeasures traditionally used to intercept aerial threats are often significantly more expensive than the drones themselves.

In some cases, missiles costing millions of dollars are used to destroy drones worth only a few thousand. This imbalance creates a clear need for cost effective detection systems that allow defences to be scaled across large areas while integrating with appropriate countermeasures.

“The key advantage of high impact, lower cost defence technology is its potential for mass deployment,” explains Siete. “It allows large areas of a nation to be protected by an off the shelf layer of early warning and detection.”

“We realise this is not just a military challenge but a societal one,” said Siete. “Olympic games, high profile events, borders, prisons, embassies, harbours and ports are all critical infrastructure that need protection today. What countries need is a new breed of radar company that is more adaptive to change.”

As we are seeing across the Middle East, aerial threats are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. By applying the operational lessons learned from Ukraine and continuing to adapt radar technology to meet evolving threats, Robin Radar is working to provide early warning systems that deliver greater awareness, seamless integration and faster response. Protecting people by keeping the skies safe remains the ultimate goal.

Robin to support counter-UAS operations at FIFA World Cup 2026

Robin Radar — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:28:06 GMT

Today, we announce that our flagship 3D CUAS radar, IRIS, will be deployed by components of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alongside state and local agencies, as part of counter-UAS operations for the FIFA World Cup in North America later this year.

The radars will protect high-visibility events like this one, and critical infrastructure, following additional support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The deployment reflects growing recognition across U.S. homeland security agencies that drone threats demand persistent, reliable solutions. Particularly at large-scale public events.

They must be scalable, easy to operate, and deliver complete awareness of airspace.

Securing the fifa world cup 2026

IRIS can be set up in under 15 minutes by a single operator, without technical support. It detects, tracks and classifies 24/7, with minimal human input.

Unlike more complex military systems that require teams of engineers to deploy and operate, IRIS integrates seamlessly into broader counter-UAS architectures alongside cameras, acoustic sensors, passive detection systems, and command-and-control platforms.

Our drone radar delivers 3D insight and 360° coverage for complete situational awareness. It’s built explicitly to detect, track, and classify small airborne objects, including small, Fixed Wing and hovering drones capable of evading traditional detection methods.

With an instrumented range of up to 12 kilometres, IRIS offers early warning, giving authorities the time and space to assess threats, coordinate responses, and act decisively.

IRIS is also a TRL 9 capability, meaning it has been used extensively in active conflict environments, providing operational validation in high-pressure settings. That experience has informed product refinement and accelerated scaling, applying conflict-proven technology to the domestic setting.

The FIFA World Cup deployment builds on our role in securing major international events, including the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, where IRIS was integrated into a multi-sensor framework to protect athletes and spectators.

A collaborative approach

The deployment follows exponential growth and a climbing presence across North America in 2025. Driven by demand from DHS components and Canadian federal agencies, major political and sporting events continue to require increased airspace security.

The partnership also builds upon connections with multiple prime integrators under forthcoming DHS Counter-UAS procurement frameworks. Collaboration like this remains key to our approach, reinforcing our position as an adaptable, trusted supplier within the wider CUAS ecosystem.

Kristian Brost, General Manager, Robin Radar North America, said: “DHS components and state authorities are looking for solutions that work immediately, that scale, and that can be operated by non-technical teams. IRIS delivers exactly that. It’s a plug-and-play radar that provides persistent airspace awareness within minutes of arrival. At an event the size of the World Cup, clarity and early warnings are critical.”

Marcel Verdonk, Chief Commercial Officer at Robin Radar Systems, said: “Large-scale public events require trusted, off-the-shelf security technology that can be delivered at pace. We have demonstrated that we can supply in quantity, from supporting European ministries of defence to delivering at scale in North America. IRIS provides reliable military-grade detection with rapid deployment, and that reassurance matters when agencies are protecting millions of people."