A Step Ahead - Combat Proven, Future‑Proof Naval Radars
Modern navies face an evolving threats arena powered by ongoing developments in targeting and attack systems. Included among the significant new dangers are low visibility manned and unmanned aerial platforms, and long-range cruise and hypersonic anti-ship missiles. The latter are of particular concern because their trajectories are difficult to predict and their high speeds leave little time for intercept. These threats increase the enemy’s ability to execute coordinated attacks from beyond the ship’s line of sight, and threaten to overwhelm the current defensive systems of surface combat vessels.
In response, IAI’s innovative sensors and systems subsidiary, IAI ELTA, offers the combat proven MF-STAR and ALPHA shipborne multi-function radars, which provide naval forces with the ability to efficiently detect, track, engage and eliminate advanced threats. Both these powerful, modular fully digital AESA radars include class leading multi-beam and multi-technique capabilities, together with superior ECCM features.
MF-STAR and ALPHA exploit breakthroughs in wideband Active Electronic Scanning/Staring Array (AESA) technology. Developed and matured at IAI ELTA over the past decade, AESA significantly exceeds legacy solutions in both receiver sensitivity and Effective Radiated Power (ERP). Furthermore, AESA technology enables narrow multi-beam operation in reception and transmission for simultaneous tracking of multiple threats with unmatched efficiency.
True long-range multi-function radar systems, MF-STAR and ALPHA provide local and area defense in blue and littoral waters with their surveillance, tracking and weapons guidance capabilities. Moreover, extended-range versions can detect and track tactical ballistic missiles (Ballistic Missile Support). The German Navy chose IAI ELTA radars to equip their F124 Air Defense Frigates based on their performance and Ballistic Missile Support capabilities.
These highly automated radars require little or no operator involvement, and the extensive use of Built in Test (BIT) and modular components make them easy to maintain. Not only are they the most mature radars in their respective classes, they are also the most flexible with regard to addressing future threats owing to their modular architecture and software driven design.
Both radars employ proprietary wideband solid-state transmit/receive module groups (TRG). These fully digital TRGs constitute building blocks that can be added to increase performance as needed. Each compact TRG unit contains individual S-Band transmit/receive channels constructed with the latest GaN Solid State Amplifier (SSA) technology. These modules enable the radars to be scaled to different vessel sizes, mission profiles and budgetary requirements. Both MF-STAR and ALPHA share the same TRGs, simplifying ILS and reducing Life Cycle Cost (LCC).
MF-STAR employs four oblique fixed panels to provide 360-degree coverage while minimizing radar signature. Versions are available for larger ships such as frigates while lighter, more compact configurations address corvettes and smaller vessels. Range is commensurate with the size of the array, each size leading within its respective envelope.
ALPHA radar utilizes a single panel mounted on a rotating pedestal to achieve 360-degree coverage with built-in IFF and navigation antennas. Offering superb performance in a lighter, more compact, lower cost form factor, ALPHA can also be enhanced in the future with additional TRG modules.
The backbone of the Israel Navy’s air surveillance and defense array IAI ELTA’s combat proven, fully digital radar family is in service, or in the process of fitting, on over thirty ships worldwide. IAI ELTA’s pioneering efforts are such that while competing AESA systems are in their first generation, MF-STAR represents a battle tested third-generation design.
Come and meet with IAI’s naval radars experts at NAVY LEAGUE - Sea, Air & Space 2026 Booth 1301, or connect directly at [email protected]