South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has unveiled a groundbreaking AI-based photonic radar technology capable of detecting and identifying small aerial targets, such as drones, which are often challenging to detect using conventional optical equipment like cameras. This innovative technology was showcased in a recent demonstration, where it successfully identified targets from several kilometers away in an outdoor setting.
The radar technology works by converting laser light into electromagnetic wave signals that are directed toward a target. Once these signals are reflected back, they are analyzed and processed with the assistance of artificial intelligence, allowing for accurate confirmation of the target’s presence and identity. According to the ADD, this demonstration marks the first real-life application of such technology in the world, contrasting with previous international studies that validated the concept mainly through simulations, lacking practical identification in real-world environments.
The development of this photonic radar has been ongoing as part of the Future Challenge National Defense Technology Development Project, which commenced in 2022. Looking ahead, the ADD intends to establish an industrial ecosystem that encompasses research, development, and combat experiments, aimed at identifying subsequent tasks and enhancements.
Jeong Seong-tae, the director of ADD’s Third Technology Research Institute, expressed his satisfaction with the demonstration, highlighting the exceptional performance of the AI-based optical radar in a real environment. He emphasized their commitment to advancing this technology further, which promises to revolutionize the K-defense surveillance and reconnaissance landscape.
