Defense purchased a hundred radars on Thursday that provide early warning of approaching drones. The latest model has a range of twelve kilometers. The systems distinguish between drones, birds and other flying objects, Defense said in a statement press release.
Outgoing Minister Ruben Brekelmans (Defense, VVD) asked the Senate last week for permission to purchase more Iris radars, plus vehicles, for “drone intervention teams”. In order to combat drones, the minister advocated increasing the budget by 74.1 million euros.
Brekelmans spoke of an “urgent threat” because (unidentified) drones are increasingly being deployed over Dutch territory. Particularly at ‘critical locations’ such as military and civilian airports.
The Dutch company Robin Radar will deliver some of the material this Friday. The corresponding vehicles will arrive early next year. All radars are expected to be delivered by 2026.
Last Friday and Saturday, drones flew above the East Brabant air base in Volkel. Unmanned aircraft were also spotted above Eindhoven Airport. According to Gijs Tuinman, outgoing State Secretary for Defense (BBB), the “small drones, quadcopters” were also for sale at the Mediamarkt.
“Weapons” were deployed from the ground at Volkel Air Base, the Ministry of Defense reported in a press release – without providing further details about whether shots were fired and, if so, with what means.
Brekelmans wanted to purchase the radar systems before the end of the year, because otherwise an option with Robin Radar would expire and a delay of at least six months would occur.
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