Aviation News – The Dutch Ministry of Defence has ordered 100 advanced drone-warning radars to strengthen security at military airbases following recent drone sightings over Volkel and Eindhoven.
The ministry confirmed the purchase today in an agreement signed with Dutch manufacturer Robin Radar. The decision follows several incidents involving unidentified drones near critical airfields, prompting an urgent need for enhanced early-warning systems. The first units will be delivered tomorrow, with full deployment planned by 2026. Support vehicles for the systems are expected early next year.
The new radars can distinguish drones from birds and other moving objects, enabling more accurate detection and faster response times. Their capability to identify small, low-flying devices is seen as a key upgrade to existing base-protection measures.
Robin Radar emphasized the importance of the rapid rollout. “Given the increasing number of drone-related incidents, delivering these systems quickly is essential to ensuring airbase safety,” a company spokesperson said.
The acquisition marks a broader modernization push within Dutch defence strategy. As drone activity continues to grow, the Netherlands aims to stay ahead of emerging threats with scalable and mobile detection technology.
The faster-than-usual deployment underscores the urgency of securing national airspace. With the first systems arriving immediately and full delivery in sight for 2026, the Netherlands is positioning itself to better detect, identify, and counter unauthorized drones in the years ahead.
Photo Robin Radar