The project focuses on developing a low size, weight and power synthetic aperture radar with advanced multi-mode collection functions. It is designed to respond to emerging defence requirements while remaining suitable for integration on a range of platforms.
“At TNO, we are committed to advancing technology that supports national and international security but also reinforces our position as a leader in applied scientific research,” said Philip Weimar, Director of Electromagnetics and Military Operations at TNO. The work also supports the Dutch Strategy for Industry and Innovation 2025–2029 by evolving TNO’s AMBER radar technology into an operational MRaISR payload for Boeing and Insitu customers.
Several Dutch industry partners, including AcQ International, the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre and Robin Radar, have supported the programme alongside Insitu and TNO. “The MRaISR project is a testament to our collaborative efforts between Boeing, Insitu, TNO, and Dutch industry and we are eager to showcase the results of our hard work,” said Brandy Pessin, Senior Manager for International Strategic Partnerships at Boeing.
She added: “This collaboration strengthens defence capabilities, but also our key strategic partnerships within Europe and is a great example of a win-win-win solution to building long term strategic partnerships.” The project has also been backed by the Dutch Industrial Participation policy, according to Mark Lengton, Deputy Commissioner for Military Production at the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
“This project allows TNO, as one of our leading knowledge institutes, and Dutch industry to partner with Boeing to develop a system that can be tested, demonstrated and industrialised,” Lengton said. Two integrated payloads have now been designed, built and tested by TNO, with successful crewed flight demonstrations over land and water in the Netherlands.
These tests showed synthetic aperture radar imaging, ground moving target indication and inverse synthetic aperture radar modes. A business case has been completed, an industrialisation partner selected and new product introduction planning has begun, while an Insitu Integrator UAV flight demonstration was completed at Insitu’s test range in October 2025.
“The MRaISR project exemplifies our mission to provide cutting-edge solutions that enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness,” said Steven Todorov, Product Manager at Insitu. “Our partnership with Boeing and TNO has been instrumental in bringing this advanced radar capability to tactical UAVs, and we are excited to demonstrate its capabilities during the upcoming flight tests.”
