In an era where unmanned threats are rapidly reshaping the battlefield, one name stands at the forefront of counter-UAS and air defense radar innovation: Leonardo DRS. Through its industry-leading subsidiary, DRS RADA Technologies (DRS RADA), the company is driving the next generation of tactical radar systems—delivering combat-proven performance that is transforming how allied militaries detect, track, and defend against emerging threats.
With a sharp focus on ever-changing combat operations, DRS RADA is redefining how military forces detect, track, and cue to neutralize airborne threats—especially in the age of drones, loitering munitions, and hybrid warfare. Their radar platforms aren’t just built for today’s challenges—they’re engineered for tomorrow’s battlespace.
Dominating the C-UAS Domain
The rapid rise of low-cost, easily modified unmanned aerial systems has transformed the battlefield. Drones—once tactical novelties—are now central to asymmetric attacks, swarming tactics, and real-time intelligence collection. Traditional air defenses are struggling to keep up.
DRS RADA’s tactical radar systems are specifically built to meet this new threat landscape. Based on advanced pulse-Doppler Active Electronically Scanned Array technology, their radars are optimized to detect, classify, and track even the most elusive airborne targets.
Key advantages include:
- Superior LSS Detection: Identifies low, slow, and small aerial targets—even those using terrain for concealment.
- AI-Driven Target Classification: Machine learning algorithms, trained with real-world combat data, distinguish between drones, birds, cruise missiles, vehicles, and other aerial threats—reducing false positives and enhancing situational awareness.
- Real-Time, Hemispheric Scanning: Tracks hundreds of targets simultaneously with fast, volume-based coverage—ideal for detecting swarm attacks or high-speed, top-attack munitions.
- Combat-Proven Capability: Deployed across multiple continents, DRS RADA radars have delivered reliable Sense & Warn, point defense, and active protection support under actual battlefield conditions.
DRS RADA radars are also a critical enabler for mobile C-UAS capabilities fielded today, including the U.S. Army’s Sgt. Stout (M-SHORAD) platform, as well as for air defense systems used for base security – all developed by Leonardo DRS. From early warning to precision cueing of kinetic effectors, DRS RADA’s C-UAS radar systems empower warfighters to respond with confidence, speed, and accuracy.
More Than C-UAS: A Multi-Mission Asset
While counter-UAS is a vital priority, DRS RADA’s technology goes far beyond. These radar systems are designed for multi-mission versatility, addressing a wide array of operational needs—without sacrificing performance.
Key capabilities include:
- MOSA Compliance: DRS RADA radars are built on a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), enabling seamless integration with a broad range of platforms and allied defense systems.
- Exceptional Reliability: Passive cooling, non-rotating design, and robust construction ensure high Mean Time Between Failures and low maintenance, even in the harshest environments.
- Mobility and Flexibility: Their compact form factor and rugged build support both fixed-site and mobile deployments—including “on-the-move” radar tracking on vehicles or vessels.
- Simultaneous Mission Execution: One radar unit can execute multiple missions at once—from SHORAD and M-SHORAD (Short Range and Maneuver SHORAD), to C-RAM (Counter-Rockets, Artillery, and Mortars), air surveillance, and force protection.
- Effective Gap-Filling: Their fast deployment capability makes them ideal for filling blind spots or compensating for damaged sensors within layered defense systems.
This blend of agility, durability, and mission adaptability makes DRS RADA radars essential assets for front-line units and homeland security alike.
Global Trust, Combat Validation
With thousands of radar systems produced and fielded around the world, DRS RADA has earned the trust of some of the most demanding users in defense including the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and other U.S. government agencies, as well as the Israeli Defense Forces, Indian Forces, and Ukrainian Armed Forces, among others.
In operational deployments—from open deserts to urban battlefields—DRS RADA radars have been repeatedly tested and proven. They deliver the situational awareness and real-time responsiveness needed to protect both personnel and critical infrastructure under live fire.
Engineering the Edge: Continuous Innovation
What sets DRS RADA apart is not just its performance, but its relentless commitment to innovation. As adversaries develop new ways to penetrate defense systems—through electronic warfare, autonomous swarms, or stealthier designs—DRS RADA continues to evolve its solutions.
Recent innovations include Hemispheric Fast Volume Search, which delivers full 360° coverage using adaptive beamforming and advanced signal processing to ensure no threat goes undetected. The radars are built with resilience against jamming, incorporating robust electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) technologies that maintain performance in contested electromagnetic environments. With a focus on affordability and scalability, the systems are designed for mass deployment and rapid replacement during high-intensity operations. Through continued investment in open architecture, AI integration, and advanced radar materials, DRS RADA remains ahead of evolving threats—empowering customers to maintain a decisive edge.
Supporting the Future of Integrated Air and Missile Defense
Modern military operations demand layered, multi-domain defense. DRS RADA’s tactical radar systems are built to serve as foundational components within integrated air and missile defense frameworks.
They not only protect individual assets or units—they contribute to the broader picture: enabling data fusion, sensor interoperability, and multi-platform coordination. Whether integrated with short-range interceptors, kinetic effectors, or electronic warfare suites, these radars provide the eyes that make the entire system work.
As concepts like “defending the defenders” and “sensor fusion warfare” take shape, DRS RADA is ready—with scalable, interoperable radar platforms that bring clarity and control to the most complex combat environments.
DRS RADA at DSEI 2025
In a world of dynamic threats and shifting battlefields, DRS RADA provides the tools that modern militaries need to stay ahead. The radars are not just sensors—they are force multipliers, trusted by the world’s top defense organizations to deliver unmatched performance, reliability, and innovation.
As global defense leaders converge at DSEI 2025, Leonardo DRS will showcase its advanced radar technologies and its long-term vision for survivability, adaptability, and mission assurance.
Whether countering the latest aerial threats, enabling mobile force protection, or filling critical gaps in national defense infrastructure, DRS RADA continues to define what it means to lead in tactical radar.
To learn more, visit LeonardoDRS.com/radars or visit us at DSEI Stand S6-110.