The new generation of aerial warfare and conflicts are defined by complexity and speed, with adversaries launching waves of ballistic missiles from distances of more than 2,000 kilometers, massive attack of UAVs, loitering munitions, stealth drones, and cruise missiles using terrain-masking and evasive routes at varying speeds.
Israel’s recent military operations –’Iron Swords’, the war against Hamas and Hezbollah, and ‘Rising Lion’, the 12-day war with Iran – highlighted the critical importance of early warning capabilities in defending against evolving aerial threats. As a global leader in defence technology and a top provider of radars, IAI’s-ELTA Systems supplied the full range of detection systems and technologies necessary for effective Israeli defence against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems. Throughout the conflict since October 7, 2023, the Israeli early warning system detected and identified an exceptionally high rate of the missiles, UASs, One-Way Attack Drones (OWA), and cruise missiles launched at Israel, providing the population with early warning and delivering vital information for the country’s layered air defence to respond to these threats.
Addressing Complex Threats
The conflict posed unprecedented challenges, with enemies using ballistic missiles from 1,000-2,000 km away along with loitering munitions, advanced drones, and cruise missiles that employed terrain masking and indirect routes at speeds from subsonic to hypersonic.
IAI ELTA’s Radar systems excel at distinguishing real threats from false targets. These systems range from specialized radars like Green Pine, which enable early warning of Iranian and Houthi missile launches from thousands of kilometers away, and the outstanding performance of Arrow 2 and 3 interceptors, to the Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) family that supports Israel’s comprehensive defence architecture, including David’s Sling, Barak MX, and Iron Dome systems. The radars use advanced algorithms and AI integration to analyze target profiles, movement tracking, and behavioral patterns for precise threat classification. Extended operational experience accelerates learning, with systems processing large volumes of real-time data to improve detection accuracy. Notably, hundreds of MMR systems are operational in 20 countries. IAI delivered its 250th MMR family radar in June 2025 during the conflict, demonstrating operational resilience under pressure.
Multi-Layered defence
IAI’s approach emphasizes comprehensive detection across multiple defence layers. For example, the Green Pine’s long-range detection and tracking offered initial missile detection and warning, providing accurate target data for intercepts of ballistic missiles outside and inside the atmosphere. Other systems leveraging the Green Pine or MMR technology provide the intermediate detection layer, including elevated platforms. These systems may include platforms as Aerostat borne radars to detect low flying ABTs or unmanned systems carrying radar sensors, extending detection capabilities far beyond borders, and providing crucial time for threat assessment and intercept decisions. Additional layers, including smaller radars acting as gap fillers, continuously monitor incoming threats, delivering timely alerts to populations along flight paths or near likely impact points. This layered approach proves essential against loitering weapons and UAS that stay airborne for long periods at low altitudes, requiring continuous tracking throughout their flight paths.
Proven AESA Technology
IAI-ELTA’s Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) is the underlying technology for its advanced radar capabilities. Simultaneous tracking while scanning enables operators to focus detection resources on priority targets while maintaining broad surveillance coverage. The integration of passive sensors with active radar systems enhances detection capabilities against elusive targets, particularly those that are remotely controlled and unmanned.
The radar systems are optimized for specific mission requirements, with size and performance tailored to particular applications. This optimization proves particularly valuable for short-range threat detection in complex terrain. Operational experience highlighted the importance of mobile and relocatable systems, as fixed installations became vulnerable to precision strikes, making IAI’s mobile radar solutions crucial for sustained operations through their rapid deployment and relocation capabilities.
Strategic Advantage
IAI’s radar solutions did more than detect – they shaped the battlefield. Their unmatched accuracy and early warning capabilities empowered fast coordination, decisive interceptions, significantly reducing casualties and preventing critical infrastructure damage.
IAI delivers not just radar systems, but a strategic advantage – ensuring nations are not only protected, but prepared.
