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Germany orders next generation of ballistic missile defense radars

German Air Force HADR NF concept air radar
Photo: Hensoldt

The German defense procurement agency (BAAINBw) has awarded Hensoldt a contract for the development, delivery and installation of four new air-defense radars.

The new long-range radars have been procured as part of the “Hughes Air Defence Radar Nachfolgesystem” (HADR NF) program, and will modernize the country’s airspace surveillance and build up its ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities.

To deliver this new capability, Hensoldt has entered into a cooperation in the field of BMD-capable long-range radars with ELTA Systems Ltd, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI).

BAAINBw chose Hensoldt and ELTA for the job after releasing an RFP for the systems in March 2020.

The two companies are also working together on securing a contract for the delivery of new long-range radars for the German Navy’s F124 air-defense frigates.

The HADR NF system operates in the S-band, which allows more precise target acquisition in space than other systems, Hensoldt noted.

HADR NF will replace the existing radars, which have been in use since the 1980s. The replacement systems will ensure continuous and uninterrupted surveillance of German airspace.