The Drone Challenge
Figure 3 Conceptual drawing of a drone.
Figure 4 Spy balloon. Source: Setav.org.
As shown in Figure 3, most drones are comparatively small, making their identification by radar systems difficult. On the radar screen, there is presently no way to block such a small object. The expanding use of commercial or personal drones exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for radar systems to manage such a large number of simultaneous targets. Built-in display filters only show the most critical targets and filter out the remainder to prevent system overload. The inability to identify drones and the rising use of small drones for monitoring are expected to limit market growth.
The Threat and Opportunity of HAPS
Recent innovations and trends are high altitude platform systems (HAPS). These high altitude platforms are being envisioned as tools in the broadband connectivity portfolio, but they are also in use in surveillance applications. One recent example of this use that caught everyone’s attention was the incursion of high altitude balloons into U.S. territory. Even if the three balloons that have subsequently been blown up by fighter aircraft were allegedly benign, U.S. intelligence officials are still persuaded that the first suspected Chinese spy balloon that was shot down was meant for surveillance over key military locations.4 A photo of the Chinese spy balloon is shown in Figure 4. According to reports, the balloons were used as a part of China’s military spy program to get information about the U.S. It was thought that the balloons included sophisticated sensors and cameras that could record video and collect data at a great height.
This is not the first time China has used spy balloons. Since 2017, at least four balloons have reportedly breached U.S. airspace, according to sources. According to American officials, the balloons may have violated international law and presented a risk to national security. Despite previous incidents, this was the first time that the U.S. military intervened to shoot down the balloons. To combat this issue, the U.S. military intends to deploy an over-the-horizon radar in Palau by 2026. This installation will enhance the early warning capabilities in the western Pacific as China’s military power rises.
The Shift Toward Military Radar
Military radars are experiencing tremendous growth and demand due to the various advantages they offer. Some of the advantages of evolving radar systems:
- Robustness in all weather conditions: Radars are built to function and gather data in challenging weather, such as snow, rain and fog, which can impair the effectiveness of other sensors.
- Long-range surveillance and early warning capabilities: Radar systems are capable of detecting objects hundreds of kilometers away.
- Detecting the location and speed of objects: Military radars can identify the location and speed of objects, such as aircraft, missiles, ships and ground vehicles by evaluating the Doppler shift in the return signal.
- Providing situational awareness: On the battlefield, military radars can assist commanders in making choices by providing real-time data on the location and movement of both friendly and opposing forces.
- Real-time detection and monitoring: Military radars can be used in air traffic control to increase both the safety and effectiveness of air transport.
Regional Defense Expenditures
The challenges to incorporate the latest innovative, cutting-edge technology advancements in military radar are driving military budgets and competition in the industry. Since the United States spends the most on defense and has purchased the latest military radars, the North American region is predicted to maintain a significant share of the market. As a result of initiatives and programs such as the Air and Missile Defense Radar and the Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar, the regional market is anticipated to see good growth. The rising demand for military radars is also aided by significant OEMs such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, among others.
Three transmit/receive sites are required by the operational DARC program, positioned at mid-latitudes all around the world, to detect and track satellites. The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command awarded Northrop Grumman a $341 million contract in February 2022 to start construction on the global system, with the initial installation in Australia planned for the year 2025. The locations of the next two sites have yet to be determined, but they will be in Europe and the U.S.
A growing number of military modernization projects are expected to propel Europe to become a significant region in the industry. Demands will be made by Spain, Germany and other nations whose military spending has increased year-over-year. In July 2020, German defense electronics and sensor company, Hensoldt and Airbus Defence and Space received a $1.7 billion contract for the delivery of AESA radars for the Eurofighter fleets of Germany and Spain. At contract completion, 130 aircraft will be outfitted with radar components, such as digital multi-channel receivers, antennas and transmitter modules.
According to the Norwegian Government Security and Service Organisation, on November 17, 2022, the Norwegian Defence Material Agency and Lockheed Martin signed a contract for the shipment of eight military air surveillance radars, with the potential for three more radars.5 By the end of 2025, the first radar will be installed atop Gyrihaugen in Ringerike, where arrangements are already underway. By 2030, all the radars will be delivered.
This does not mean Asia-Pacific is lagging. This region will experience the largest growth during the forecast period. Growing cross-border issues and geopolitical tensions between countries such as China, India and Pakistan are driving an increase in the need for advanced threat detection systems. This region imports a substantial portion of its systems. The percentage of foreign purchases for defense products and equipment from 2017 to 2021 ranged from 34 percent to almost 42 percent.
A Practical Example
There are various novel innovations in the military radar industry. The Indian Army recently purchased six Swathi Mark II Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) from Bharat Electronics (BEL). The Defence Research and Development Organisation and BEL collaborated to develop the Swathi WLR, a mobile artillery-locating phased array radar. The radar system has a variant created for use in mountainous terrain. Its purpose is to identify the source of the counter-battery fire by detecting and tracking incoming artillery, mortar and rocket fire. The WLR is set up on a wheeled Tatra 8×8 truck frame and has a C-Band frequency range with a configured range of 50 km. According to various reports, the radar system is more user-friendly than the AN/TPQ-37 radar but is identical in performance and design.
Conclusion
In times of conflict, military radar is a vital tool for tracking aircraft, seeing potential threats and providing early missile detection. Radar technology has been used in a wide range of applications in recent years due to developments in digital signal processing and machine learning. These include guided missile target locating systems, self-driving cars, ground-penetrating radar for geological observations, air and terrestrial traffic control, radar astronomy, air defense systems, anti-missile systems, marine radars, aircraft anti-collision systems, ocean surveillance systems and space surveillance and rendezvous systems.
References
- “Global Military Radar Market Size,” Extrapolate, July 2022, Web: extrapolate.com/aerospace-and-defence/military-radar-market/26008.
- “World Military Expenditure Passes $2 Trillion for 1st Time; India in 3rd place: SIPRI,” The Economic Times, April 2022, Web: economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/world-military-expenditure-passes-usd-2-trillion-for-1st-time-us-on-top-sipri/articleshow/91077188.cms?from=mdr.
- “SIPRI Databases,“ Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Web: sipri.org/databases.
- INTEL.gov, Web: intelligence.gov/.
- “New Air Surveillance Radars to the Norwegian Armed Forces,” Norwegian Government Security and Service Organisation, November 2022, Web: regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/new-technology-to-enable-the-norwegian-armed-forces-to-meet-current-and-future-air-threats/id2947358/.
