Military Radar Technology

What is a Military Radar System?

Military radar systems transmit beams or pulses of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and capture the reflections of these radio waves in order to detect, characterize or track objects, targets and potential threats.

The information gathered by radar may provide military forces with enhanced situational awareness and result in better decision-making for defensive or offensive applications.

Military radar may utilize a number of unique technologies that have been developed for specific purposes. These technologies include:

AESA Radar

Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is a form of phased array radar, using an electronically steerable beam of radio waves that requires no mechanically moving parts and thus can scan faster than conventional radar. AESA radar systems utilize multiple antenna elements that each have their own separate transmitter and receiver, allowing the system to operate on multiple frequencies at once and making it harder to detect, jam or intercept.

Synthetic Aperture Radar

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) uses the motion of an antenna, typically mounted on an aircraft or satellite, to provide greater spatial resolution than conventional radar. It can be used both during the day and at night, and the operating frequency can be adjusted to provide optimal performance under specific weather conditions.

Portable Radar

Portable radars are compact, lightweight radars that can be rapidly deployed by ground forces for real-time battlefield awareness. Typically designed for tactical applications, portable radars can be used to detect and track threats in dynamic environments. Offer mobility and flexibility in diverse military scenarios portable radars are frequently used for short-range surveillance to monitor enemy movements, detect incoming projectiles, or support reconnaissance missions.

Military Radar Applications

Radar systems for defense applications may be mounted on a wide range of platforms, including naval vessels, ground vehicles, airborne platforms, and fixed installations, and used for a range of different purposes across all domains. These applications include:

Ground-Based or Airborne Early Warning & Threat Detection

Radars for early warning are used to detect incoming threats such as missiles and aircraft. They can be used to detect long-range threats to enable early response and interception, giving forces a critical edge in defense planning and situational awareness.

Counter-Battery Radar

Counter-battery radar systems  can track incoming artillery fire and backtrack the trajectory to pinpoint the origin. This allows forces to neutralize enemy positions quickly and accurately.

Drone Detection Radar

With the rise of unmanned aerial threats, drone detection radar systems have become increasingly important. They identify rogue drones, often integrated into larger counter-UAS frameworks, to safeguard sensitive military zones from surveillance or attacks by small UAS.

Targeting & Fire Control Radar

These systems deliver precise target data, including the location, speed, and heading of enemy aircraft, vehicles, or ships. Fire control radars enhance the accuracy of weapon systems, whether on the battlefield, in naval engagements, or in the air. Fighter jets also employ these radars to track and engage airborne targets using guided missiles or perform Moving Target Indicator Radar (MTI) operations.

Naval Radar for Navigation & Search

Radar systems onboard naval vessels aid in both navigation and maritime surveillance. They scan the water’s surface for threats, obstacles, and assist in search and rescue operations. These radars provide essential information to avoid collisions and support strategic decisions during combat or emergency scenarios.