Robin Radar expands U.S. C-UAS footprint
Dutch drone-radar maker Robin Radar Systems opened a larger facility in Sterling, Virginia on August 26, 2026, adding 20 new roles.
Dutch drone-radar maker Robin Radar Systems officially opened a larger facility in Sterling, Virginia on August 26, 2026. The company selected the Northern Virginia location for its strategic position within the established defense ecosystem, according to a report by DroneLife.
This new site adds 20 new roles and expands the company's capacity for its U.S. operations. The move is part of a broader growth trend for the company, which has seen its global business increase by 60 percent year over year for the past three years.
U.S. market growth and major deal
Robin Radar USA sold 75 percent more of its IRIS radars in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period a year earlier. The company also recently closed its largest U.S. deal to date. A counter-UAS integrator brokered that agreement for a range of customers, including federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal entities.
More than 30 IRIS radar systems were deployed across North America during security operations for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The opening event for the Virginia facility was attended by Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar of the Netherlands and Ben Wenger, the chief revenue officer of Dedrone by Axon.
"We want to become part of the American security ecosystem," said Siete Hamminga, CEO of Robin Radar Systems. He stated that this requires being physically present, hiring locally, and supporting customers directly. "This new facility is an important step in strengthening our presence in North America and building Robin Radar's future in the United States," Hamminga added.
Ambassador Tazelaar commented on the investment, calling it a tangible commitment to partnerships and the transatlantic relationship. "Alliances are not only signed in capitals," she said. "They are strengthened through investments like this one, bringing Dutch engineering and American talent together."
IRIS radar capabilities and deployment
The IRIS system is a purpose-built 3D drone-detection radar designed to identify small, fast, and low-flying targets. This includes first-person-view (FPV) and dark drones. The technology leverages the company's background in bird-strike radar to distinguish drones from birds.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Primary Detection Range | 2 to 7 kilometers (1.2 to 4.3 miles) |
| Long Range Mode | Extends instrumented range to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) |
The development of the Long Range Mode was funded by government contracts and scale effects from deployments driven by the conflict in Ukraine. In 2024, Robin Radar delivered a major tranche of IRIS systems through a contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defense for Ukraine. The company holds contracts with NATO, various government agencies, and critical infrastructure customers worldwide.
