Robin Radar Establishes Northern Virginia Facility Amid Rising U.S. C-UAS Demand
Robin Radar Opens New Facility in Northern Virginia
Robin Radar Systems, a Dutch manufacturer of drone detection technology, officially inaugurated its new facility in Sterling, Virginia, on August 26, 2026. The decision to establish this site was influenced by its strategic location and the existing defense ecosystem in the area. The new facility will create 20 additional jobs and enhance the company’s operational capacity in the United States.
Company Growth and Recent Achievements
Robin Radar has experienced significant growth, reporting a 60 percent increase in global sales year over year for the past three years. In the first half of 2026, Robin Radar USA recorded a 75 percent rise in sales of its IRIS radar systems compared to the previous year. The company also finalized its largest deal in the U.S. to date, facilitated by a counter-UAS integrator for various government customers, including federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal entities. Over 30 IRIS radars were deployed across North America during security operations for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar of the Netherlands and Ben Wenger, Chief Revenue Officer of Dedrone by Axon. Siete Hamminga, CEO of Robin Radar Systems, emphasized the company’s commitment to becoming an integral part of the American security landscape, 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 specifically designed for detecting small, fast, low-flying drones, including FPV and dark drones. Utilizing technology developed from Robin Radar’s bird-strike heritage, the IRIS radar can differentiate between drones and birds. It operates effectively within a medium-range counter-UAS layer, covering distances from 2 to 7 kilometers (1.2 to 4.3 miles), with a Long Range Mode extending the detection range to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). The expansion of this capability has been supported by government contracts and increased demand driven by deployments related to the conflict in Ukraine.
In 2024, Robin Radar delivered a significant tranche of IRIS radars through a contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defense for use in Ukraine. The company maintains contracts with NATO, various government agencies, and critical infrastructure clients globally.