IAI Elta announces multi-sensor air defence system

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary Elta Systems unveiled on 12 June a new version of its EL/M-2084 Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) that has been developed to counter emerging threats.

An image of an Elta Systems EL/M-2084 Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) adapted to show the additional equipment that makes up the Multi-Sensor MMR (MS-MMR) system. (Israel Aerospace Industries)

Called the Multi-Sensor MMR (MS-MMR), the new system includes an additional radar and passive sensors to enable it to build a more comprehensive air situational picture (ASP).

IAI developed the MS-MMR in response to emerging aerial threats, including low radar-cross section aircraft and weapons. “This created a demand for ASP systems to provide higher accuracy, faster update rates and upgraded identification of aerial threats while increasing the need for survivability in the modern battlefield,” the company said in a statement.

The MS-MMR still uses its main S-band radar to provide long-range air surveillance and fire control capabilities. This is integrated with a higher frequency radar, an active identification friend or foe (IFF) capability, an automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) receiver, as well as passive electro-optical and signals intelligence (SIGINT) sensors. Passive sensors for detecting weapons being launched are also an option, according to IAI.

The higher-frequency radar is designed to provide better resolution of objects, thereby making them easier to classify. This is mounted on two panels either side of the main S-band antenna as well as another two panels that cover the rear of the radar enabling the system to detect threats approaching from directions that were previously in the EL/M-2084’s blind spot.