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Robin Radar IRIS Drone Detection Radar

Robin Radar IRIS Drone Detection Radar

Manufacturer: Robin Radar Systems
Category: Radar Systems
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Detection Range Up to 12 km
Frequency Band X-band, 8.775 to 9.800 GHz
Antenna Type / Technology Rotating radar antenna
Target Tracking Capacity Multi-target tracking, exact maximum not publicly specified

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	IRIS
Manufacturer	Robin Radar Systems
Country of Origin	Netherlands
Type / Role	3D drone detection and counter-UAS radar
Operational Domain	Defense, security, aviation, critical infrastructure
Status	Operational / In production

2. Technical Specifications

Frequency Band	X-band, 8.775 to 9.800 GHz selectable bands
Antenna Type	Rotating radar antenna
Antenna Aperture / Size	550 mm diameter x 630 mm height
Power Output	12 W
Detection Range	Up to 12 km instrumented with Long-Range Mode
Tracking Range	Target dependent; up to instrumented range
Target Tracking Capacity	Multi-target tracking, exact maximum not publicly specified
Elevation Coverage	60°
Azimuth Coverage	360°
Beam Steering	Mechanical rotation
Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)	Not publicly specified, FMCW architecture
Resolution	0.6 m range accuracy; 0.6° to 0.75° angular accuracy
Update Rate	Approximately 1 second
Clutter Rejection / ECCM	Micro-Doppler classification, DNN processing, clutter filtering

3. Functional Capabilities

Primary Functions	Detection, tracking, 3D positioning, classification
Target Types	Small drones, fixed-wing drones, hovering drones, loitering munitions, birds
Integration / Networking	C2 and layered C-UAS integration
IFF Capability	Not publicly specified
Data Link / Networking	SAPIENT, ASTERIX, CoT, XML interfaces
Weather & Terrain Resistance	IP66; MIL-STD-810H and STANAG 4370 tested
Mobility / Mounting	Tripod, building, vehicle, maritime platform

4. Physical & Operational Characteristics

Dimensions	550 mm diameter x 630 mm height
Weight	29 kg, excluding tripod
Power Requirement	253 W nominal, 600 W maximum
Cooling System	Not publicly specified
Operating Temperature Range	-46°C to +50°C
Deployment Platform	Fixed sites, tripods, vehicles, maritime platforms
Crew Requirement	Single operator for deployment

5. Software & Processing

Signal Processor Type	Dedicated IRIS processing station
Processing Speed	Real-time processing, approximately 1-second scan cycle
AI / Automation Features	Deep neural network and micro-Doppler classification
Data Output / Interface	SAPIENT, ASTERIX, CoT and XML
Software Upgradeability	Yes, including Long-Range Mode software update

6. Operational History

Year Introduced	2020
Users / Operators	Netherlands Ministry of Defence and international defense/security users
Notable Deployments	Dutch air bases and critical infrastructure; U.S. DHS-supported FIFA World Cup 2026 security
Successor / Predecessor	Successor to earlier Robin drone radar development, including ELVIRA

7. Export / Compliance Data

Export Availability	Commercially available, subject to applicable controls
ITAR / MTCR Status	Classified by Robin as dual-use; Dutch and EU export controls apply
Cost Estimate	No per-unit price publicly released; Dutch IRIS procurement falls within €50M to €250M project band

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Range & Endurance 7 / 10
Stealth Capability 3 / 10
Technology 7 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 7 / 10

PROS

360-degree 3D coverage
X-band FMCW radar technology
Micro-Doppler and DNN classification
Compact 29 kg sensor
On-the-move capability

CONS

Limited instrumented range compared with larger air-defense radars
Specific procurement pricing is not public
Requires a processing station and supporting equipment
Performance varies with target size, clutter, and weather
Primarily designed for small-object detection rather than long-range air defense

Manufacturer

Robin Radar Systems is a Dutch radar technology company headquartered in The Hague. The company was founded in 2010 after Siete Hamminga spun radar technology out of the Dutch research organization TNO. The company’s roots trace back to a 1980 TNO project focused on detecting birds around Royal Netherlands Air Force aircraft.

Speed and Range

IRIS scans at 30 rpm, providing a one-second scan cycle. Standard instrumented range is 5 km, while Long-Range Mode extends this to 12 km. Detection performance varies by target size and conditions. The 2026 product sheet lists detection ranges from 1.1 km for a 0.249 kg nano drone to 7.6 km for a 52 kg target.

Cost/Price

A standalone IRIS unit does not have a publicly listed retail price. The Dutch government has disclosed that its IRIS procurement falls within a broader €50 million to €250 million project budget, but it has not published a specific per-radar price.

FAQs

What is Robin Radar IRIS?

A portable 3D radar designed primarily for drone detection, tracking, and classification.

How far can IRIS detect drones?

Its standard instrumented range is 5 km, with Long-Range Mode extending the instrumented range to 12 km.

Can IRIS detect drones while moving?

Yes. Its on-the-move configuration supports detection, tracking, and classification while traveling at up to 100 km/h.

Does IRIS use AI?

Yes. IRIS uses micro-Doppler classification and deep neural network technology to help distinguish drones from birds and other objects.

Who uses IRIS?

The system is used in defense, security, aviation, and critical infrastructure applications. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has ordered 100 systems.

Reviews

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