Editor’s choice R
adar functions by transmitting radio waves and analysing their reflections from surrounding objects. This process enables the detection of an object’s distance and relative velocity. Since radio frequency signals can operate in adverse weather and low visibility, radar maintains its performance where optical sensors might fail. Radar systems are also capable of detecting motion, estimating speed using the Doppler effect, and classifying targets through unique micro-Doppler signatures caused by movement patterns like walking or rotating wheels. MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) radar, a more advanced form often developed for compact platforms, uses multiple transmitting and receiving antennas to estimate direction as well as range and speed. By processing signals from different antenna elements, MIMO systems can perform beamforming to determine target direction more precisely. When implemented at millimeter-wave frequencies, these systems achieve high angular resolution within small form factors, making them suitable for applications like automotive safety and drone navigation. Despite these strengths, radar technology does have limitations. Its spatial resolution is typically lower than that of optical sensors, making it harder to distinguish between closely spaced objects or identify fine details. Radar may also face difficulties in classifying certain objects, and its performance can be affected by multipath reflections in cluttered urban environments. Furthermore, while a MIMO radar can estimate a single (i.e. horizontal) angle, more complex antenna arrays are required to measure vertical angles as well.
To overcome these challenges, radar is often integrated with other sensors. Sensor fusion allows for a combination of radar with cameras or lidar, offering a more complete situational picture. When radar is fused with a camera, the system
THE ROLE OF RADAR IN MODERN SENSING AND THE BENEFITS OF SENSOR FUSION
Warfare is being redefined. As the UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR) outlines, rapid advances in technology and changing conflict dynamics are transforming both the threat and the way nations need to respond. A new Cyber and Electromagnetic (CyberEM) Command and a commitment of £1 billion to develop a ‘Digital Targeting Web’ to link UK armed forces’ weapon systems underlines this fundamental shift in defence strategy.
As shown in Ukraine, development speed and agility are vital. Innovation in electromagnetic warfare has created modular systems that can transform capabilities at a fraction of the time and cost of previous generations. New interface standards allow cross industry collaboration and the use of both commercial and defence components. Furthermore, this open, modular approach will be key to the essential development of future Electronic Attack, Support and Protection capabilities.
Warfare has changed and policy adapted, but, as Ben Skinner, EW solutions specialist for Plextek, asks, why has the defence industry not also accepted that the way that weapons and defence systems are developed in response must also change?
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September 2025 Instrumentation Monthly
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