substantial funding for Hensoldt radar systems for Ukraine
Germany's defense contractor, Hensoldt, is delivering its advanced air defense radars, the TRML-4D and SPEXER radar systems, to Ukraine. These systems are designed to significantly enhance Ukraine's detection, tracking, and classification capabilities against a broad range of airborne threats.
The TRML-4D Radar System
The TRML-4D radar system, which uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, is capable of simultaneously detecting and tracking up to 1,500 targets. With an effective range of up to 250 kilometers, it can rapidly detect and classify aerial threats including drones, cruise missiles, aircraft, and helicopters. Already integrated into Ukraine's IRIS-T SLM surface-to-air missile system, the TRML-4D plays a key role in layered air defense. It has proven effectiveness in protecting civilian infrastructure and urban areas under missile and drone attack.
The SPEXER 2000 Mk 3 Radar System
The SPEXER 2000 Mk 3 radar system provides automatic detection and classification of ground, sea, and low-flying air targets. Serving as a short-range radar suitable for very short-range air defense, it complements the TRML-4D by enhancing coverage of low-flying and close-range threats. Usually part of Germany's Rheinmetall Skyranger 30 short-range air defense system, the SPEXER system can also be used independently as a flexible, mobile air surveillance radar.
Context of Deliveries
These radar systems are part of a €340 million (approx. $399 million) contract to bolster Ukraine's air defense against ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. Deliveries are ongoing with previous TRML-4D units already operational, and additional systems scheduled for delivery by the end of 2024. The radars improve Ukraine’s situational awareness and enable faster, more precise response to incoming threats, significantly strengthening the country’s layered air defense network.
In summary, the TRML-4D offers long-range, high-capacity 3D tracking of sophisticated aerial threats, while the SPEXER 2000 Mk 3 provides crucial short-range detection, particularly for low-flying targets. Together, they form a comprehensive radar capability that supports Ukraine’s modern integrated air defense systems.
Tests for the radar systems were initially conducted in measuring chambers at the Ulm site and later in an outdoor facility southwest of Ulm. Hensoldt has received an order for the delivery of additional radar systems to Ukraine, worth 340 million euros. Key technologies for the protection of the country are developed in Ulm by Hensoldt, involving around 3,000 employees. The increase in the German defense budget is seen as a means to "strengthen European independence," according to a Hensoldt spokesperson. Baden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann visited the Hensoldt site in Ulm.
The SPEXER system includes surveillance radars for short-range use, designed to detect ground, sea, and low-flying air targets. The Hensoldt plant in Ulm is involved in the serial production of air defense radars. Ulm is Hensoldt's largest site, with headquarters in Taufkirchen. The city of Ulm is known as a "radar hub" among industry experts.
The delivery of high-performance radars is aimed at supporting Ukraine's air defense. The SPEXER system is installed in a new air defense cannon tank. Hensoldt is investing in additional production capacities and building up additional personnel to meet the growing demand of the German Armed Forces. The plans to increase the German defense budget are considered a "historic turning point" for Hensoldt. However, Hensoldt does not provide specific numbers or economic data regarding the impact of the increased defense budget.
It's worth noting that a number of Hensoldt radars have been in use in Ukraine since the start of the war, but exact numbers are not provided for security reasons. Both radar systems for Ukraine (TRML-4D and SPEXER) were developed, produced, and tested entirely in Ulm, Germany. Kretschmann advocates for a strong defense industry to defend peace, freedom, and democracy in Europe.
- The SPEXER 2000 Mk 3 radar system, part of the modern integrated air defense systems in Ukraine, offers crucial short-range detection of ground, sea, and low-flying air targets, complementing the long-range, high-capacity 3D tracking provided by the TRML-4D radar system.
- Technology, in the form of advanced radar systems like the TRML-4D and SPEXER 2000 Mk 3, is being utilized by Germany's defense contractor, Hensoldt, to support sports (air defense) in Ukraine, particularly in enhancing the country's ability to detect and respond to various airborne threats, such as drones, cruise missiles, aircraft, and helicopters.
