KONGSBERG selects Echodyne radar for counter-drone weapon systems. Image source: Echodyne September 9, 2026 BY Echodyne KONGSBERG has selected Echodyne's MESA radar platform for a range of air and surface applications, including integration with the PROTECTOR RS4 and RS6 remote weapon stations for counter-unmanned aircraft system missions. The companies said the integration combines KONGSBERG's remote weapon-station technology and Collaborative Fire Control capabilities with Echodyne's compact, solid-state radar. The system is designed to provide high-fidelity detection and tracking data while avoiding the size, weight and power requirements traditionally associated with larger electronically scanned array radars. Echodyne CEO Eben Frankenberg said the radar is intended to provide the PROTECTOR family with persistent and precise tracks that can cue fire-control systems and maintain target lock against fast-moving drone threats. The MESA radar provides range, range-rate, bearing and other kinematic data that can be used by the weapon station's fire-control system. According to the companies, the radar can also stabilize and cue optical sensors, potentially shortening the time between detection and engagement. The capability is particularly relevant when PROTECTOR systems use programmable airburst ammunition, where accurate measurements of a target's range and rate of movement can help determine the appropriate timing for the munition. The companies described the system as supporting a search-cue-track-engage approach in networked operations. A separate search radar or sensor can identify a potential threat and pass its track to a radar-equipped remote weapon station, where the MESA radar can refine and maintain the track for fire-control purposes. Echodyne and KONGSBERG said they have spent several years integrating, testing and demonstrating the radar-enabled capability as part of a field-development program. The companies are also examining additional applications for Echodyne's radar technology across KONGSBERG's air and surface systems. The collaboration comes as militaries increasingly seek counter-drone systems capable of detecting and engaging small, low-signature and maneuverable unmanned aircraft. Compact sensors that can be integrated onto existing platforms are intended to expand protection without requiring major changes to the host system. KONGSBERG and Echodyne are continuing technical work focused on resilient sensing, networked fire control and scalable counter-UAS capabilities. The companies are exhibiting at the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition, or MSPO, in Kielce, Poland, from Sept. 8-11, 2026. 6 hours ago AeroVironment has received a $464.8 million U.S. Army contract to produce dozens of LOCUST X3 high-energy laser systems under the Enduring-High Energy Laser program. The award moves the Army's laser counter-drone capability from prototyping into production, with systems intended to defend against Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems. 7 hours ago South Korean aerospace and defense startup Airbility has raised KRW 6.5 billion ($4.7 million) in Series A funding led by Sazze Partners, bringing its total funding to KRW 10.5 billion. The company plans to use the investment to commercialize its high-speed eVTOL counter-UAS portfolio, expand production and pursue international markets. August 31, 2026 Dutch radar maker Robin Radar Systems has expanded its U.S. operations with a larger facility in Northern Virginia, adding capacity and 20 planned positions as demand grows for counter-drone and airspace security technology. August 31, 2026 Japan-based Terra Drone Corp. has entered a strategic collaboration with Malaysian defense company DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies to expand drone-based defense and security solutions in Malaysia and use the country as a hub for growth across Southeast Asia. August 27, 2026 GA-ASI and Fujitsu have signed an MOU to explore domestic maintenance and operational support for Japan's MQ-9B aircraft. The companies will examine capabilities including avionics maintenance, training, parts management and field support, while also exploring future technical collaboration and systems integration. October 13-14, 2026 ALERUS CENTER | GRAND FORKS,NORTH DAKOTA The UAS industry is in the midst of an economic and technological evolution. The 20th annual UAS Summit and Expo - set in Grand Forks, North Dakota, near the heart of some of the most prominent U.S. UAS activity currently happening - is set to showcase and explain the evolution of UAVs while revealing the current state of the commercial UAS industry. It's the original epicenter of drone research, earned its place as the Silicon Valley of Drones and as you'll see from the commercial, government and military flight activity filling the sky of the Northern Plains and beyond every day, it has truly become America's UAS proving grounds.View More

Robin opens new larger US operations center as global C-UAS demand accelerates. August 31, 2026 Robin Radar Systems is expanding its U.S. operations following rapid growth across global and North American markets, investing in a larger facility in Northern Virginia to expand its local team and meet increasing customer demand. Marked by an official opening on August 26, its new Northern Virginia facility represents a key milestone in its continued U.S. expansion. The space will support 20 additional roles and provide increased capacity for its growing North American operations. To celebrate the launch, Military Leak welcomed government and industry representatives, including H.E. Birgitta Tazelaar, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States, and Ben Wenger, CRO of Dedrone by Axon, to explore the site firsthand. As demand for drone detection skyrockets across government, defense, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure sectors worldwide, Military Leak is seeing remarkable traction. Over the past three years alone, Military Leak has grown 60% year over year - with no sign of slowing down. Momentum in the U.S. has been particularly strong. Compared with H1 2025, Military Leak sold 75% more IRIS drone radars in H1 2026. This growth is reflected in the signing of its largest U.S. deal to date with a close partner and proven C-UAS integrator, supporting both Federal and State, Local, Territorial, and Tribal (SLTT) customers. Military technology blog "We want to become part of the American security ecosystem. That means being here, hiring here, supporting our customers here, working with American companies and ultimately building more of our capability here. We want to be close to our customers and have the people and infrastructure in place to support them. This new facility is an important step in strengthening our presence in North America and building Robin Radar's future in the United States." said Siete Hamminga, CEO, Robin Radar Systems. "Robin Radar builds world-class Dutch technology, and we are proud to see that technology growing here. This new expansion is a tangible investment in the US, in partnerships, and in the transatlantic relationship. Alliances are not only signed in capitals. They are strengthened through investments like this one, bringing Dutch engineering and American talent together." said H.E. Birgitta Tazelaar, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States. Recently, more than 30 IRIS radars were deployed across North America in support of security operations during the FIFA World Cup 2026, providing airspace awareness for the U.S. Government and SLTT customers. The deployment marked one of the largest operational uses of IRIS to date and demonstrated its ability to deliver reliable, persistent airspace surveillance at a major international event. This trajectory reflects an evolving U.S. market for counter-UAS and airspace security technology. Operational experience from recent conflicts, including Ukraine, is informing procurement requirements and increasing the focus on systems that can reliably detect, track, and classify diverse targets in complex operational environments. Northern Virginia was selected as the site for its new operations center thanks to its strategic position, established defense ecosystem, and alignment with its long-term investment plan for the U.S. The new facility will provide a base for Military Leak to work more closely with customers and partners across the government, defense, and national security ecosystem. Above all, this investment reflects its growing commitment to the U.S. market and its customers. As deployments increase and U.S. requirements continue to evolve, Military Leak is expanding its local presence to provide greater support throughout the customer lifecycle, from evaluation and deployment to ongoing operations. Post Views: 703

Robin Radar opens northern Virginia facility to meet growing U.S. C-UAS demand. On August 26, 2026, Robin Radar Systems, a Dutch manufacturer specializing in drone detection technology, officially inaugurated its new facility in Sterling, Virginia. The choice of location was driven by the area's strategic position and robust defense ecosystem. This new site is expected to generate 20 additional jobs and boost the company's operational capabilities within the United States. Company growth and recent achievements. Robin Radar has seen substantial expansion, with global sales increasing by 60 percent year over year for the past three years. During the first half of 2026, Robin Radar USA reported a 75 percent surge in sales of its IRIS radar systems compared to the same period the previous year. The company also secured its largest U.S. contract to date, arranged by a counter-UAS integrator for a wide range of government customers, including federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal entities. More than 30 IRIS radars were deployed across North America to support security operations during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The opening ceremony featured prominent attendees such as Ben Wenger, Chief Revenue Officer of Dedrone by Axon, and Birgitta Tazelaar, Ambassador of the Netherlands. Siete Hamminga, CEO of Robin Radar Systems, highlighted the company's dedication to integrating into the American security sector, stating, "We want to be close to our customers and have the people and infrastructure in place to support them." IRIS radar technology and market impact. Aug 27, 2026 Aug 26, 2026 The IRIS radar system is engineered to detect small, fast, low-flying drones, including FPV and dark drones. Leveraging technology derived from Robin Radar's bird-strike research, the IRIS radar can distinguish between drones and birds. It functions effectively as a medium-range counter-UAS layer, covering distances between 2 and 7 kilometers (1.2 to 4.3 miles), while its Long Range Mode extends detection up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). This expanded capability has been bolstered by government contracts and heightened demand stemming from deployments related to the conflict in Ukraine. In 2024, Robin Radar delivered a significant batch of IRIS radars under a contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defense for use in Ukraine. The company currently holds contracts with NATO, various government agencies, and critical infrastructure clients worldwide.