Boeing, in collaboration with Insitu and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), has announced significant progress in the Multi-function Radar Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (MRaISR) program. This international industrial participation project, supported by the Dutch Ministries of Economic Affairs and Defense, has successfully developed and tested a new, low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload designed for tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The core achievement is the maturation of TNO’s innovative AMBER radar technology into the operational MRaISR payload. This advanced system integrates multiple collection modes—including high-resolution SAR imaging, Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI), and Inverse SAR (ISAR)—into a single compact unit suitable for platforms like Insitu’s Integrator UAV. The project directly supports the Dutch Strategy for Industry and Innovation, aiming to bolster both national security and the technological leadership of Dutch industry.
A major program milestone was reached with the successful completion of a UAV flight demonstration at Insitu’s test range in October 2025, following earlier validations on crewed aircraft over Dutch land and water. Two payloads have been designed, built, and tested by TNO, with partners including AcQ International, the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre, and Robin Radar.
Officials highlighted the strategic and technological importance of the collaboration. “The MRaISR project is a testament to our collaborative efforts,” said Brandy Pessin, Senior Manager for International Strategic Partnerships at Boeing. She emphasized it as a “win-win-win solution” that strengthens defense capabilities and strategic European partnerships.
Dutch authorities underscored the project’s industrial benefits. Mark Lengton, deputy Commissioner for Military Production, noted the initiative 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 industrialized.” An industrialization partner has now been identified, with new product introduction planning underway.
For the warfighter, the technology promises a leap in persistent surveillance. “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. The system’s multi-mode capability from a small UAV platform is set to address emerging global defense requirements for actionable intelligence.
