An Israeli company, RADA, is making significant advancements in its radar systems provided to Ukraine, with recent updates driven by real-time feedback from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Insights gained from active conflict zones are shaping the ongoing software enhancements for existing radar stations and expanding the company’s product lineup to address evolving needs, according to Ihor Fedirko, executive director of the Ukrainian Armorers’ Council.
Fedirko emphasized that while RADA’s radars meet high production standards, they come at a higher cost compared to alternatives manufactured in Ukraine. This investment is being made in the context of ensuring effective defense capabilities against current threats.
The core model that RADA has supplied to Ukraine is the Improved Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar (ieMHR), which is engineered to identify a range of aerial threats, including missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its compact design facilitates both portable and self-propelled deployment options, allowing flexibility in various operational environments.
RADA claims that the ieMHR is capable of detecting small drones, also known as nanodrones, up to approximately 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) away. It can identify medium-sized drones from distances of up to 45 kilometers (around 28 miles). Furthermore, larger threats, such as helicopters, can be detected at a range of 45 kilometers, while low-flying fighter jets are trackable from 35 kilometers (22 miles) and heavy military transport aircraft can be located from an impressive distance of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles).
Ukrainian forces have already deployed multiple ieMHR systems, many of which were provided through donations from volunteer organizations. A notable deployment occurred in May 2023 when radars supplied by the Lithuanian non-government organization Blue/Yellow were put into action. At that time, Ukraine anticipated receiving a total of 16 systems, with the transaction receiving backing from the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
As the conflict continues, the integration of advanced radar technology into Ukraine’s defense arsenal exemplifies adaptive strategies aimed at countering sophisticated aerial threats amidst the ongoing war.
