Tel Aviv. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), through its group and subsidiary ELTA SYSTEMS LTD and ESG Elektroniksystem – und Logistik-GmbH, agreed to manufacture and deliver 69 tactical mobile radar systems to the German Land Forces.
The agreement was signed between ESG and The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). The deal is valued at EUR 36 Million.
The ELTA radar was selected after a competition with German company HENSOLDT and French company Thales.
The first radar systems are to be delivered at the beginning of 2022 and the final deliveries will take place in 2024. Included in the contract, the company will provide training courses and resources and initial spare parts in order to effectively share best practices.
The WatchGuard Radar is a fifth generation of movement-detection tactical Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR), employing both staring and electronic-steering search techniques. Featuring a high update rate, the radar enables very high probability of target detection and tracking to support complex missions. Combination of staring and scanning allows to adapt and optimize the radar operation for any scenario.
The new BAR (ground-based reconnaissance and area monitoring system), radar system is intended to replace and provide a consolidated alternative to the aging legacy systems: PARA (tank reconnaissance radar), ABRA (artillery observation radar), LEGAR 1 (light battlefield reconnaissance radar), and BOR-A 550 (ground surveillance radar unit 550), in the Bundeswehr.
BAR is intended to supply comprehensive information acquisition, on demand, for all levels of command to determine threat potential, operational conditions as well as conditions in potential crisis areas. The system has all-weather day / night capability, and is capable of ongoing long-term reconnaissance and surveillance of large areas with while occupying a small force footprint. Further, it enables “Force Shared Tactical Fire Support” (STF), in addition to providing target tracking of previously identified enemy forces and contributing to fire correction and effects intelligence.
Zvi Yarom, VP & GM, IAI-ELTA Land Systems Division said that the company’s systems will provide a range of capabilities to the German armed forces. “These are based on our vast experience in developing the most advanced combat proven radar systems”.
-The writer is an International Roving Correspondent of the publication. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
