What are these special-purpose radars that should arrive in Ukraine from Lithuania? – Technology Org
The exact type of these radars is not known. But they are described as special-purpose surveillance equipment capable of calculating the trajectories of flying objects.
Components of the Israeli Drone Done system. It is highly likely that this particular system was purchased by the Lithuanian supporters of Ukraine. Image credit: Rafael
Lithuania is a small country, but it provides continuous support for the Ukrainian Army in its fight against the Russian invasion. It has provided a number of armored vehicles and weapons through numerous rounds of military assistance, and is also training Ukrainian soldiers to use the supplied weapons and machines.
And not just that. Lithuanians have been organizing fundraisers for purchasing those items that are not available in their own military stocks. Last year, they were the first to collect funds to purchase the Turkish military drone Bayraktar TB2, which was later sent to Ukraine.
The latest fundraiser was used to acquire 16 radars. As the organizers describe, these are very capable systems: 12 can be considered “simple” radars, while four of them are advanced models with expanded functionality.
Twelve, let’s call it, are simple ones and four special-purpose radars. These radars can detect a sniper’s bullet,” says Jon Ohman, one of the fundraiser organizers who is in charge of procuring the systems for Ukrainians.
The exact models and makers of these aerial surveillance systems are not disclosed. But it is known that despite their small dimensions, the radars can detect and identify objects such as drones or missiles, and also calculate their trajectories.
New radars will be deployed to monitor the airspace around strategic objects, such as power plants or water towers. They are designated as “multifunctional tactical radars”, which means they have a short detection range.
Their overall appearance and range specification is very similar to those of the Israeli Rafael Drone Dome system which is designed to detect and jam enemy drones. If this is indeed the Rafael Drone Dome radar, then its maximum detection range is up to 3.5 km (2.2 miles).
Lithuania did not announce if the newly supplied radars would have any additional modules, such as drone jammers. The total cost is estimated at €14 million. Lithuania will also provide training for Ukrainian radar operators.