Ukraine Drives IRIS Radar Upgrade That Doubles Detection Range from 5km to 12km

The deployment of IRIS anti-drone radars in Ukraine has enabled the Dutch company Robin Radar Systems to develop a software update that extends the system’s detection range to 12 kilometers.

Robin Radar Systems announced the breakthrough in a press release on September 8, noting that the new software created a special IRIS Long-Range Mode. This mode increases the radar’s operational distance from 5 kilometers to 12 kilometers while allowing a quick return to standard mode if required.

According to the company, the Long-Range Mode was designed and successfully stress-tested thanks to the large-scale deployment of IRIS radars in Ukraine. The update was built on direct feedback from Ukrainian operators, which was immediately integrated into the development cycle. Robin Radar Systems emphasized that this flexible and rapid feedback loop made it possible to deliver the innovation in record time.

“As well as bringing a critical function to Ukrainian frontlines, the upgrade underscores the need for fast, adaptive innovation that matches the speed of the fight,” the company stated.

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The innovation positions IRIS as one of the first commercial radars proven capable of detecting and classifying Shahed strike drones and other long-range UAVs. Importantly, the upgrade requires no hardware replacement, meaning that all IRIS radars can be updated directly in the field.

“This upgrade isn’t just about range—it’s about time. Every extra kilometer of detection gives defenders more precious seconds to react, more chances to protect critical infrastructure, and ultimately, more lives saved. By delivering this leap forward entirely through software, we’re showing how the decisive edge in counter-drone defense is no longer just built—it’s coded,” said Christian Brost, General Manager of Robin Radar USA.

Siete Hamminga, CEO of Robin Radar Systems, emphasized that by closely listening to frontline users, the company had transformed the capabilities of a standard off-the-shelf system, turning it into a battlefield-proven solution now being deployed worldwide.

Earlier, it was reported that a Ukrainian-built Inguar-3 armored vehicle remained operational even after being struck and set ablaze by a Russian FPV drone.

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