Tel Aviv: German company HENSOLDT is cooperating with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to supply new radars to the German Armed Forces to modernize their airspace surveillance and build up Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capabilities.

The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has placed an order for the delivery and installation of four long-range radars worth approximately 200 million euros as part of the “Hughes Air Defence Radar Nachfolgesystem” (HADR NF) programme.

For this purpose, HENSOLDT has entered into a cooperation in the field of BMD capable long-range radars with IAI subsidiary, ELTA Systems Ltd. The HADR NF system operates in the S-band, allowing for precise target acquisition compared with other systems. Through IAI’s cooperation, the German customer will receive a combination of a national partner in system integration, certification and long-term support, as well as concept proven, market perfected systems.

For years Europe has faced long-range weapons threats. In answer to this threat Europe’s NATO countries have agreed to establish and expand a defence mechanism. The new capabilities to be integrated into the German armed forces will contribute to this effort.

According to Israeli sources the Germans need an advanced air defence radar with a capability to detect ballistic missiles. The new radar will use the S band capable of long range detection. ELTA will be the design authority  with production in both countries. The radar is largely based on the ELTA 2258 radar used on navy ships but will have added capabilities.