At the forefront of cutting-edge defense technology, Meteksan Defence introduced its groundbreaking MILSAR Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Moving Target Indicator (MTI) system at the SAHA 2024 exhibition in Istanbul. This state-of-the-art radar, developed under the auspices of the Turkish Defence Agency (SSB), represents a monumental leap in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, promising to reshape intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, suppression, and attack operations on a global scale.
The unveiling of MILSAR comes at a critical juncture, as UAVs continue to redefine modern warfare, and Türkiye positions itself as a leader in this space. Designed for drones like the Bayraktar TB2, Aksungur, and ANKA, the multi-mode radar significantly enhances operational efficiency, empowering UAVs with advanced all-weather reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities. MILSAR is a culmination of Türkiye’s increasing emphasis on indigenous defense technologies and autonomy, and its integration into UAVs offers unparalleled tactical advantages.
MILSAR is a radar system engineered to adapt to diverse operational environments, equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for high-resolution imaging and Moving Target Indicator (MTI) functionality for tracking ground and maritime movements. This dual capability transforms UAVs from passive surveillance platforms into dynamic tools for wide-area reconnaissance, target detection, and identification—regardless of weather or time of day.
A key feature of MILSAR is its capacity to operate under adverse conditions, including heavy cloud cover, rain, fog, and night-time missions. Unlike electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, which rely on visible light and heat signatures, MILSAR uses radar waves to penetrate these environmental obstacles. Given that Türkiye experiences cloud cover for more than half of the year, MILSAR’s ability to operate effectively under such conditions addresses a critical operational need.
Meteksan Defence’s engineers have crafted a system where MILSAR can seamlessly integrate with existing EO/IR systems, enhancing overall situational awareness and target acquisition. This synergy means drones equipped with both MILSAR and EO/IR sensors can deliver continuous, precise intelligence, regardless of environmental conditions. The impact of this advancement on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as precision strike operations, is profound.
At the heart of MILSAR’s innovation lies its versatile imaging capabilities, designed to adapt to different mission requirements. In Stripmap mode, the radar scans vast areas to generate real-time images with resolutions as fine as 30 centimeters. This makes MILSAR an ideal tool for wide-area reconnaissance, capable of covering large stretches of land in a single pass, ensuring that no detail escapes detection.
For missions requiring more focused imaging, Spotlight mode is used to generate detailed, high-resolution images of specific targets. Whether it is identifying enemy positions, infrastructure, or other strategic assets, Spotlight mode enables precise target recognition even under the most challenging conditions. This dual-mode capability equips operators with the flexibility to switch between large-scale surveillance and pinpoint accuracy during UAV operations.
In addition to its SAR capabilities, MILSAR’s Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) and Maritime Moving Target Indication (MMTI) functionalities expand its operational scope. GMTI enables the detection and tracking of moving objects on the ground, while MMTI focuses on the movement of vessels at sea. Coupled with its Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) capabilities for vessel classification, MILSAR transforms UAVs into powerful tools for land and maritime surveillance, providing comprehensive situational awareness across diverse terrains.
MILSAR’s compact design sets it apart from other radars in its class. Weighing under 30 kilograms, the system is lightweight enough to be integrated into a range of UAV platforms without compromising flight performance or endurance. This is particularly critical for UAVs like the Bayraktar TB2, ANKA, and Aksungur, which must balance payload weight with fuel efficiency to maximize mission duration and range.
Moreover, MILSAR’s low power consumption ensures that it can operate efficiently on UAV platforms without placing excessive demands on their energy reserves. This feature is particularly important for long-endurance UAVs engaged in extended reconnaissance or strike missions, as it allows the radar to function continuously without draining the platform’s battery or fuel resources.
Another key advantage of MILSAR is its interchangeability with EO/IR sensors, facilitated by its compatibility with standard 15-inch sensor turrets. This means operators can switch between radar and EO/IR systems within minutes, depending on the mission requirements. The seamless integration of MILSAR with existing UAV systems offers unparalleled flexibility and adaptability, allowing operators to tailor their UAV’s sensor suite to the task at hand, whether it involves reconnaissance, target acquisition, or precision strikes.
MILSAR’s capabilities are not just theoretical—they have already been proven in real-world operations. One of the most notable examples of its success is its role in detecting drifting naval mines in the Black Sea, a mission necessitated by the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Even before MILSAR had completed its full research and development (R&D) phase, the system demonstrated its ability to detect, classify, and track mines in the challenging maritime environment of the Black Sea.
Installed on the Aksungur UAV, MILSAR provided crucial intelligence that allowed Turkish military forces to identify and track these dangerous naval threats. By working in conjunction with EO/IR systems, MILSAR significantly enhanced the UAV’s reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, ensuring accurate detection and mitigation of drifting mines. This operational maturity underscores MILSAR’s readiness for deployment in complex military theaters, and its ability to adapt to emerging threats as they evolve.
The Black Sea operation highlights the importance of sensor fusion, where multiple sensing technologies—such as radar and EO/IR—work together to provide a more comprehensive and reliable situational picture. This approach significantly increases the effectiveness of UAVs in reconnaissance and surveillance operations, particularly in environments where traditional sensors might struggle to perform.
While MILSAR’s primary applications are military, its versatility extends far beyond the battlefield. One notable civilian application is forest fire monitoring, where MILSAR’s ability to operate in adverse weather conditions and at night makes it invaluable for tracking fire progression and assessing damage. The radar’s imaging capabilities enable real-time updates on fire spread, helping first responders allocate resources more effectively and minimize damage.
Another promising civilian application is Change Detection, an advanced feature currently in development by Meteksan. Using artificial intelligence, Change Detection compares historical radar images with real-time data to identify changes in the terrain or environment. This capability could be invaluable for detecting hidden threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or for monitoring environmental changes caused by human activities, such as illegal logging or infrastructure development.
International interest in MILSAR is already on the rise. With its compact size, low power consumption, and proven operational capabilities, the radar system is ideally suited for integration into UAV platforms from other countries. One such potential partner is Pakistan, which has developed the Shahpar-1 and Shahpar-2 UAVs. For Pakistan, integrating MILSAR into its UAV fleet could provide significant advantages in border surveillance, counter-terrorism, and precision strike operations—particularly in the rugged, mountainous terrain along its borders, where weather conditions can be unpredictable and challenging.
