Global Defence Technology Insight Report

Introduction:

The defence ship radar market has evolved significantly over the past few decades, driven by increasing threats in the maritime domain and the need for enhanced situational awareness, precision targeting, and multi-domain interoperability. Modern naval radar systems integrate cutting-edge technologies that provide surface vessels with powerful tools for surveillance, navigation, fire control, and early threat detection in both littoral and open-sea environments.

The Digital Eye of the Fleet: AESA, Multifunction, and GaN Technologies in Naval Radar:

A key technological advancement is the development and widespread adoption of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems. Unlike traditional mechanically rotated radars, AESA radars use solid-state modules to steer beams electronically, enabling faster scan rates, simultaneous tracking of multiple targets, and improved resistance to jamming. AESA radars are highly reliable and capable of detecting low-observable targets such as sea-skimming missiles and stealth aircraft, making them indispensable for modern naval warfare.

Multifunctional radar systems are another major trend in naval technology. These radars perform multiple roles air and surface search, target tracking, fire control, and missile guidance within a single integrated system. By combining these functions, navies reduce space and weight requirements on vessels while increasing combat efficiency. Systems like the AN/SPY-6 or Thales’ Sea Fire exemplify this all-in-one approach, offering simultaneous long-range surveillance and short-range engagement capabilities.

The use of Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in radar transmit/receive modules has significantly enhanced radar performance. GaN components offer superior thermal efficiency, higher power output, and longer operational life compared to older Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) systems. This leads to better range, resolution, and resistance to high-power electronic warfare (EW) attacks.

Agile Detection: Phased Array and Digital Beamforming in Naval Radar Systems:

Phased array radar systems, both passive and active, also play a critical role in modern shipboard radar. These systems can rapidly change beam directions and track hundreds of targets simultaneously. Their agility and precision make them ideal for defending against saturation missile attacks, swarming drones, and fast attack craft common threats in today?s naval battlespace.

The integration of Digital Beamforming (DBF) allows radar systems to form multiple beams at once, improving tracking accuracy and enabling better discrimination between closely spaced targets. DBF is especially useful in high-density environments where accurate threat classification and prioritization are critical.

Modern naval radar systems also employ Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for automatic target recognition, behavior prediction, and clutter suppression. AI-powered radars can adapt in real time to complex maritime environments, including littoral zones with high interference from waves, coastlines, and other ships. This improves detection of stealthy and asymmetric threats.

Furthermore, 3D radar systems have become standard for fleet air defence. These systems provide elevation, range, and azimuth data for each tracked target, enhancing engagement capabilities and enabling more effective use of surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems.

Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) technologies are also critical, particularly for stealth operations. These radars emit signals in such a way that they are difficult to detect by enemy Electronic Support Measures (ESM), helping ships avoid early detection while maintaining a tactical edge.

Finally, network-enabled radar systems are a vital component of integrated maritime combat systems, allowing data sharing across platforms ships, aircraft, and command centers within a common operating picture. This network-centric approach improves coordination, real-time responsiveness, and mission success rates.

Conclusion:

In summary, shipborne radar systems have become more advanced, resilient, and versatile, incorporating technologies like AESA, GaN, AI, and digital networking. These innovations are essential for maintaining naval superiority in contested waters, enabling ships to detect, track, and neutralize threats with unprecedented speed and precision.