New 3D Radar System Launched with AI-Powered Drone Detection

Terma is introducing SCANTER Sphera, a new 3D radar system delivering true 360° situational awareness and advanced AI-powered drone detection.

Designed for defense, border control, and critical infrastructure protection (CIP), SCANTER Sphera delivers seamless horizontal and vertical coverage in a compact radar sensor solution.

The system’s durable and re-deployable design makes it ideal for protecting military bases, border areas, energy facilities, and other high-value sites—whether inland, along coastlines, or in complex threat environments.

SCANTER Sphera is the latest development in Terma’s small target detection technology. Sphera builds on the field-proven performance of the SCANTER 5000 and 6000 series—trusted worldwide for their ability to detect fast, low-RCS targets over land and water. It adds 3D coverage, AI-driven classification, and enhanced mobility, making it uniquely suited to detect and respond to modern drone threats with greater speed and precision.

Critical Infrastructure Protection
The SCANTER Sphera 3D drone detection radar offers a robust, scalable solution to safeguard vital assets such as energy installations, transportation hubs, and government facilities. Its adaptability and long-range performance make it especially well-suited to protect fixed infrastructure in high-risk or high-value environments.

AI-Powered Classification
At the core of SCANTER Sphera’s performance is an advanced AI engine that classifies threats not only by size or shape, but by analyzing movement patterns. Using micro-Doppler signatures and target kinematics, SCANTER Sphera reliably distinguishes drones from other objects in cluttered or noisy environments—enabling faster, more accurate threat recognition and a longer window for response.

360° Coverage
SCANTER Sphera provides full 3D detection with 360° coverage, effectively monitoring terrain, airspace, and nearby water surfaces such as lakes and shorelines—areas where traditional radars often struggle. Its software-defined architecture ensures ongoing adaptability, allowing remote updates of AI models and radar functions with minimal disruption. This reduces downtime, extends operational lifespan, and keeps pace with evolving threats.

Weather Resistance
Engineered for long-term deployment in demanding environments, SCANTER Sphera offers reliable, weather-resistant performance with minimal maintenance. At the same time, its compact form factor enables quick redeployment when operational needs shift. SCANTER Sphera is available as a standalone sensor, with Terma’s proprietary display solution, or as part of a larger C-UAS system.

Thomas Blom, Senior Vice President, Surveillance & Mission Systems, commented, “SCANTER Sphera represents a strategic leap in our ability to detect and respond to drone threats. Our customers need faster classification, wider coverage, and dependable performance in any environment. SCANTER Sphera is built for precisely that—giving operators the time and insight to make the right decisions when seconds count.”

Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of Terma, added, “The launch of SCANTER Sphera is a clear reflection of Terma’s strategic commitment to advancing drone and counter-drone capabilities. We are investing in innovation that addresses the rapidly changing threat landscape and strengthens our position as a trusted partner in defense and security. SCANTER Sphera is only the beginning of what we have planned in this critical domain building on the strong Terma legacy.”