Drone Detection Radar
Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
An undisclosed Eastern European Army has awarded a follow-on contract to Blighter for the supply of its A800 Mk 2 4D multi-mode radars to protect vulnerable borders against ground incursions and low-flying drone threats.
Under the agreement, these surveillance systems will be deployed to fixed locations along the country’s borders and integrated onto army reconnaissance vehicles. Military officials selected the technology because of its multi-mode functionality, which allows simultaneous detection, classification, and tracking of ground, sea, and air targets at distances up to 20km. Low-altitude drones present a major challenge due to their small size, low radar cross section, and ability to fly close to terrain, rendering them difficult to spot with conventional air surveillance radars.
To counter these threats, the platform utilizes advanced Ku-Band sensing, electronic-scanning array antennas, next-generation monopulse elevation measurement, and sophisticated clutter-suppression technologies. The radar performs target classification using micro-Doppler signature analysis to deliver situational awareness within a low size, weight & power (SWaP) format, utilizing a Gigabit Ethernet interface for secure and encrypted data transfers. The procurement also features BlighterNexus software to integrate the hardware seamlessly with the army’s command-and-control networks, operator interfaces, and third-party sensors to establish a unified common operating picture across multiple border regions.
James Long, Blighter’s CEO, said, “We are delighted to have secured a follow-on contract for our A800 multi-mode radars from this military customer. Our radars will provide 24/7 all-weather protection against ground incursions and the growing threat of low-altitude drones that have caused such devastation in recent conflicts.
“Our ground-based radars excel in detecting low’n’fast targets including first person view (FPV), fibre-optic and fixed wing drones up to 20km away. We are proud to be one of only a handful of companies offering a sub-US$1m radar that can detect targets at speeds up to Mach 1!”
The company’s technology is already operational across more than 40 countries, with over 800 radars deployed within defence, homeland security, critical national infrastructure, and energy sectors worldwide. Its systems have been utilized for drone detection at UK and international airports, by the United States Air Force, by multi-national Forward-Operating-Bases in the Middle East, and for various national Counter-UAS systems. Blighter continues to support international systems integrators in constructing layered, multi-sensor surveillance networks alongside localized manufacturing capabilities.
