The Dutch Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement to purchase 51 mobile radars, a significant step in improving drone detection capabilities. This contract, signed today with Robin Radar Systems in The Hague, reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Defense to modernize its systems to meet today's operational needs. Recently acquired radars are designed to detect small drones, distinguishing them from other objects, such as birds. A unique feature of these radars is their ability to operate while in motion on a vehicle, providing increased operational flexibility.
These mobile radars will later be offered to Ukraine as part of the Netherlands' ongoing support for the country's defense efforts. Delivery is expected to take place in several stages during the last quarter of 2024.
Thanks to their mobility, these systems allow you to effectively monitor the territory for enemy drones even at high speeds. The mobile nature of these radars makes it difficult for adversaries to identify and neutralize them, providing continuous detection of air threats that can then be eliminated. These radars will play a decisive role in countering drone attacks from Russia, ensuring Ukraine's essential defense capabilities.
This acquisition follows an earlier order of static radars from Robin Radar Systems, which are currently deployed at several sites. Feedback from users of these radars indicates the need for systems capable of detecting drones while in motion. In response, Robin Radar Systems has developed these new mobile radars, integrating this critical functionality for modern operations.
The MAX, ELVIRA and IRIS radars from Robin Radar Systems offer advanced solutions for the detection and tracking of unmanned aerial vehicles and birds with capabilities suitable for a variety of environments. With 360-degree 3D coverage, the MAX radar can simultaneously detect and track thousands of moving objects, providing real-time updates and accurate data through rapid rotation. Designed for airports and wind farms, it is particularly suitable for environments where air safety is critical:
- ELVIRA, a 2D radar specifically designed for drone detection, uses advanced technologies such as micro-Doppler classification to effectively distinguish drones from other objects, offering easy integration with command and control systems;
- IRIS, a lightweight 3D -the radar, which deploys in less than 15 minutes, can detect drones at speeds of up to 100 km/h, making it ideal for rapid deployment in the field.
In the war in Ukraine, where drones are increasingly being used for reconnaissance and attack, these radars can provide valuable capabilities to counter this threat. Their ability to rapidly detect, track, and classify drones will enable the Armed Forces to better anticipate and neutralize drone attacks, strengthening defenses against airstrikes. This capability is critical for Ukraine, as improvements to the drone threat detection system can help prevent the destruction of expensive air defense equipment and protect infantry.
In addition, the easy integration of these systems with other sensors and their rapid deployment in the field makes they are especially relevant for the current war, where mobility and quick response are important.