The Australian defense ministry has awarded passive radar surveillance systems specialist Silentium Defence an AU$2 million to further develop and test its Maverick M-series passive radar for land tactical situational awareness.
The contract, an extension of the Phase 1 Army Innovation Day contract for research and development of passive radar systems for land tactical environments, will see the company deploy its radar system in the field to provide base situational awareness and support capability for dismounted operation.
Passive radar uses existing energy in an environment as its transmission source, such as FM radio or broadcast television signals. As it does not emit, it does not create a radiation hazard, making it deployable in even the most densely populated environments. Unlike traditional active radar systems, passive radar does not require spectrum allocation to operate, as explained by the company.
“The theater of operation is more congested and contested than ever before with more objects in the air, on the ground and at sea,” Dr James Palmer, CEO Silentium Defence, said.
“The ability to detect, track and make informed decisions about those objects in real-time is critical to help mitigate risk and increase troop survivability.”
