Netherlands Announces Purchase of Mobile Radars for Drone Detection in Ukraine.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement for the acquisition of 51 mobile radars, marking a significant step in enhancing drone detection capabilities. This contract, signed today with Robin Radar Systems in The Hague, reflects the Defense Ministry's commitment to modernizing its systems to meet contemporary operational needs. The newly acquired radars are designed to detect small drones while distinguishing them from other objects, such as birds. A unique feature of these radars is their ability to operate while moving on a vehicle, providing increased operational flexibility.
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The mobile nature of these radars makes it more difficult for adversaries to locate and neutralize them, ensuring continuous detection of aerial threats, which can then be addressed (Picture source: Robin Radar Systems)

These mobile radars will later be offered to Ukraine as part of the Netherlands' ongoing support for the country’s defense efforts. The delivery is expected to take place in several phases during the last quarter of 2024. Due to their mobility, these systems allow for effective monitoring of an area for enemy drones, even at high speeds. The mobile nature of these radars makes it more difficult for adversaries to locate and neutralize them, ensuring continuous detection of aerial threats, which can then be addressed. These radars will play a crucial role in countering drone attacks carried out by Russia, providing essential defense capabilities to Ukraine.

This acquisition follows a previous order of static radars from Robin Radar Systems, currently deployed at multiple sites. Feedback from users of these radars indicated a need for systems capable of detecting drones while in motion. In response, Robin Radar Systems developed these new mobile radars, integrating this essential functionality for modern operations.

The MAX, ELVIRA, and IRIS radars offered by Robin Radar Systems provide advanced solutions for detecting and tracking drones and birds, with capabilities suited to different environments. The MAX radar, with its 360-degree 3D coverage, can detect and track thousands of moving objects simultaneously, 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 developed 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 radar deployable in less than 15 minutes, can detect drones at speeds of up to 100 km/h, making it ideal for rapid deployments in the field.

In the context of the war in Ukraine, where drones are increasingly used for reconnaissance and attacks, these radars can provide valuable capabilities to counter this threat. Their ability to quickly detect, track, and classify drones will enable Ukrainian forces to better anticipate and neutralize drone attacks, strengthening their defense against aerial strikes. This capability is crucial for Ukraine, as improving drone threat detection can help prevent the destruction of costly anti-aircraft defense equipment and protect infantry, whose heavy losses could hinder Ukraine's ability to maintain its front lines.

Additionally, the easy integration of these systems with other sensors and their rapid deployment on the field make them particularly relevant to the current war, where mobility and quick response are essential.