Advances in Radar Technology at IDEX 2025: Highlights from EDGE
During IDEX 2025, the UAE defense conglomerate EDGE unveiled several cutting-edge radar systems, showcasing significant advancements in radar technology and their applications in various military operations. This event highlighted the proactive role of EDGE’s Radar Centre of Excellence, which specializes in customized solutions integrated with systems from other group entities.
Enhanced Radar Capabilities
EDGE’s radar systems primarily function in the X and S bands, with an increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities for improved performance. The focus on adaptability ensures these radars meet specific customer needs, further solidifying EDGE’s position in the defense industry.
Notable Radar Systems on Display
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Al Haris-X
- Type: Long-range drone detection and multi-mission surveillance
- Features:
- AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar operating in the X band
- Scalable and software-driven design
- Detection capabilities extend to 250 km, with specific limitations (50 km for a target with a 0.1 m² radar cross-section)
- Precision metrics: 0.3° azimuth, 0.2° elevation, and 1 m accuracy in range
- Can track up to 10,000 targets simultaneously, crucial for addressing swarming threats
- Dimensions: 1,465 mm × 665 mm × 153 mm; requires multiple units for full 360° coverage
- Status: Currently in development phase, approximately halfway through.
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Nemus Compact
- Type: Counter-UAS radar
- Specifications:
- Compact AESA radar designed for various platforms
- Range: 405 meters for detection against incoming threats
- Capable of identifying UAVs ranging from nano to mini sizes and incoming projectiles
- Dual modes for tracking: over 20 targets per element
- Potential Applications: Integrable into active protection systems for armored vehicles and naval platforms.
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Tawaq Family of Radars
- Types: Tawaq-X (short-range) and Tawaq-S (S-band)
- Tawaq-X Features:
- A tripod-mounted radar with mechanical rotation and electronic elevation scanning
- Detection ranges reach up to 9 km against different UAV classes
- Tawaq-S Features:
- Versatile in mission functions including counter-UAS, border protection, and C-RAM
- Requires four antennas for 360° coverage, with maximum detection ranges of 45 km for larger UAVs.
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MTR-1
- Type: Multi-functional AESA radar
- Capabilities:
- Designed for air defense, tracking various targets and its own missiles
- Positioned within a transportable container, providing 360° coverage up to 50 km.
Continuous Improvement Through Software Updates
All presented radar systems are software-centric and equipped for ongoing enhancements via AI algorithms. This ensures progressive improvements in autonomous operations, specifically in target identification and classification. Existing information on the development phases of each radar system remains limited.
In sum, EDGE’s showcase at IDEX 2025 highlights a robust commitment to advancing radar technology tailored for modern defense needs, underscoring its strategic importance within the UAE’s military landscape.
