Counter-UAS Radar System
Detection
Specialized radar systems designed to detect small, low-flying drones. Provides early warning and tracking data for other countermeasure systems. Essential first layer in any C-UAS defense.
How It Works
Advanced radar systems use pulse-Doppler, AESA, and micro-Doppler analysis to detect small radar cross-sections. Micro-Doppler can distinguish drone propeller signatures from birds. Modern systems track multiple targets simultaneously.
Technical Specifications
range
2-20 km detection range
cost
$100,000-$5,000,000
deployment Time
1-4 hours
crew Required
2-4 operators
weight
100-2,000 kg
power Requirement
Generator or vehicle power
Advantages
- + Long detection range
- + Works in all weather conditions
- + 24/7 operation capability
- + Can track multiple targets simultaneously
- + Provides tracking data for kinetic/laser engagement
- + Can classify drone types via signature analysis
Disadvantages
- − Difficulty detecting very small drones
- − Can be confused by birds (false positives)
- − Expensive systems
- − Requires trained operators
- − Fixed/vehicle systems lack mobility
- − Emits RF energy detectable by adversary
Tactical Deployment Tips
- ▸ Position for maximum coverage of likely approach routes
- ▸ Combine with optical/acoustic sensors to reduce false positives
- ▸ Use micro-Doppler analysis to distinguish drones from birds
- ▸ Network multiple radars for overlapping coverage
Limitations & Vulnerabilities
- ⚠ Small drones at low altitude are difficult to detect
- ⚠ Urban terrain creates radar shadows
- ⚠ Only detects — cannot engage targets
- ⚠ Emits RF energy that can be detected by adversary
Drones It Defeats
Drone types ranked by how well this system defeats them — tap any drone for details
MALE / HALE Strategic UAVHighLarge Loitering MunitionHighHeavy-Lift Cargo / Resupply UAVHighTethered Surveillance DroneHighJet-Powered UCAVHighDecoy / Electronic Warfare DroneHighHeavy-Lift FPV BomberMediumTactical Fixed-Wing UAVMediumSmall Loitering MunitionMediumCoordinated Drone SwarmMediumAI-Autonomous Strike DroneMediumNaval USV / UUVMediumVTOL Fixed-Wing HybridMediumHigh-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS)MediumCommercial COTS QuadcopterLowMilitary Reconnaissance QuadcopterLowFPV Kamikaze DroneLowFiber-Optic Guided FPVLowMini ISR Fixed-WingLowCBRN / Hazmat DroneLowMicro / Nano DroneNone
ⓘ No public sources attached — values are doctrinal generalizations, not intelligence assessments.