Israeli firm launches new radar capable of tracking quiet drones

Israeli technology company Arbe Robotics has unveiled a new radar system designed to detect fiber-optic and first-person view (FPV) drones, including those that operate without emitting a radio signal.

The company said its ultra-high-resolution 4D imaging Alerion Radar is capable of tracking the aircraft itself rather than depending on signals transmitted by the drone, as highlighted in a piece by the NextGenDefense outlet. 

According to the company's own statement, this will allow it to address one of the key detection challenges posed by fiber-optic systems.

Unlike conventional counter-drone technologies that can rely on detecting communications signals, fiber-optic drones are controlled through a physical fiber-optic link and therefore do not provide a radio control signal that can be intercepted or jammed.

As cited in the article, Arbe said Alerion is designed to identify low, slow and small aircraft that generate very little radar energy, helping close what it describes as a growing detection gap.

The system can distinguish drones from birds, vehicles, buildings and vegetation, reducing false alarms while providing precise cueing for cameras and other effectors.

Once a drone has been detected, Alerion maintains its track regardless of the method used to control the hostile aircraft or whether its communications have been disrupted.

The radar is intended to operate as a sensing layer within multi-sensor counter-UAS architectures, providing continuous tracking from the moment of initial detection through to minimum range.

Its coverage also reaches the critical final-approach zone, where low-altitude flight, rapid manoeuvres and background clutter can make small drones particularly difficult to track.

According to Arbe, the system's compact solid-state architecture is designed to meet size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) requirements. This allows the radar to be deployed across fixed infrastructure, vehicles and portable systems.

The technology is being introduced as inexpensive, low-signature drones increasingly pose a threat to military operations, critical infrastructure and public facilities.

“Drone threats have become one of the most urgent security challenges worldwide, and detection of small drones is a current weakness where defenders are highly exposed,” said Ram Machness, chief executive officer of Arbe.

The Alerion Radar has already undergone field testing for defence applications and is due to be showcased at Counter-UAS Homeland Security Europe in London from September 23 to 24.

By Nazrin Sadigova