Robin Radar Opens Northern Virginia Facility to Meet Growing U.S. C-UAS Demand
On August 26, 2026, Robin Radar Systems, a Dutch manufacturer specializing in drone detection technology, officially inaugurated its new facility in Sterling, Virginia. The choice of location was driven by the area’s strategic position and robust defense ecosystem. This new site is expected to generate 20 additional jobs and boost the company’s operational capabilities within the United States.
Company Growth and Recent Achievements
Robin Radar has seen substantial expansion, with global sales increasing by 60 percent year over year for the past three years. During the first half of 2026, Robin Radar USA reported a 75 percent surge in sales of its IRIS radar systems compared to the same period the previous year. The company also secured its largest U.S. contract to date, arranged by a counter-UAS integrator for a wide range of government customers, including federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal entities. More than 30 IRIS radars were deployed across North America to support security operations during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The opening ceremony featured prominent attendees such as Ben Wenger, Chief Revenue Officer of Dedrone by Axon, and Birgitta Tazelaar, Ambassador of the Netherlands. Siete Hamminga, CEO of Robin Radar Systems, highlighted the company’s dedication to integrating into the American security sector, stating, “We want to be close to our customers and have the people and infrastructure in place to support them.”
IRIS Radar Technology and Market Impact
The IRIS radar system is engineered to detect small, fast, low-flying drones, including FPV and dark drones. Leveraging technology derived from Robin Radar’s bird-strike research, the IRIS radar can distinguish between drones and birds. It functions effectively as a medium-range counter-UAS layer, covering distances between 2 and 7 kilometers (1.2 to 4.3 miles), while its Long Range Mode extends detection up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). This expanded capability has been bolstered by government contracts and heightened demand stemming from deployments related to the conflict in Ukraine.
In 2024, Robin Radar delivered a significant batch of IRIS radars under a contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defense for use in Ukraine. The company currently holds contracts with NATO, various government agencies, and critical infrastructure clients worldwide.