DroneShield Expands Its Counter-Drone Capabilities with New Radar Integration

DroneShield integrates IRIS 3D radar, posts first annual net profit of $3.5M AUD and 276% revenue surge. Order pipeline hits $2.3B AUD with major expansion plans.

The Australian defense technology firm DroneShield is broadening its suite of sensor solutions through a strategic partnership. The company has moved to integrate the IRIS 3D radar system, developed by Robin Radar Systems, into its counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) platform. This step reinforces DroneShield's commitment to an open-architecture approach, favoring interoperable systems over closed, proprietary technologies.

Financial Momentum and Strategic Execution

This partnership unfolds against a backdrop of significant corporate growth. For the 2025 fiscal year, DroneShield reported its first annual net profit of 3.5 million Australian dollars. This milestone was accompanied by a dramatic 276% surge in revenue, which reached 216.5 million Australian dollars.

The company's order pipeline now encompasses 295 projects across 50 countries, representing a total value of 2.3 billion Australian dollars. Looking ahead to 2026, DroneShield already holds firm orders worth 104 million Australian dollars. A notable component is a European military contract valued at 49.6 million Australian dollars, marking the second-largest single order in the company's history.

On March 20, 2026, the company also noted the issuance of 315,000 new shares resulting from the conversion of existing securities—a routine transaction that does not materially alter its capital structure.

Enhanced Detection with IRIS Radar Technology

The newly integrated IRIS system brings advanced detection capabilities to DroneShield's DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control platform. This platform synthesizes data from multiple sensors to create a unified operational picture. The IRIS radar is capable of identifying drone threats at distances of up to 12 kilometers, providing full 360-degree coverage. Its technology is particularly adept at recognizing loitering munitions, such as Shahed-type drones, by merging micro-Doppler analysis with deep learning algorithms. According to the manufacturer, the system can be deployed and made operational in under 15 minutes.

The underlying philosophy is one of flexibility: the open architecture allows operators to select and combine the most appropriate sensor technologies based on the specific mission environment and threat profile.

Scaling Production to Meet Demand

A primary operational focus is now on scaling manufacturing capacity to fulfill this growing order book. DroneShield aims to dramatically increase its annual production capacity from approximately 500 million Australian dollars in 2025 to 2.4 billion Australian dollars by the end of 2026.

This expansion will be driven by establishing new manufacturing facilities in Australia, the United States, and Europe. The company also plans to double its workforce to more than 450 employees. Michael Powell, recently appointed Chief Operating Officer, will oversee this operational ramp-up. Powell brings 25 years of defense industry expertise to the role. Initial deliveries from the current backlog are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, with corresponding payments expected to be received in the second quarter.