Hensoldt bolsters Ukraine's defenses with six more TRML-4D radars

The German company Hensoldt has announced that it will deliver another six TRML-4D radars to Ukraine in 2024 to bolster its air defence. This initiative is part of a support package valued at over £83 million.

Hensoldt highlighted that this consignment will elevate the total TRML-4D radars produced to more than 50 units. The company’s CEO, Oliver Dörre, remarked, “Our radars are urgently required for the Ukrainian air defence, and we take pride in being capable of delivering all units this year. Feedback from our customers underlines how crucial the rapid availability of radars is for safeguarding their citizens.”

The TRML-4D radars, developed using AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology, boast an electronically scanned array antenna. This cutting-edge technology is the premier solution, providing outstanding detection capabilities for even the most challenging targets and high resistance against electronic warfare systems. The TRML-4D radar can be installed on a towed trailer or a truck chassis, with the antenna situated on a telescopic mast.

The manufacturer touts that the radar facilitates the detection and monitoring of about 1,500 objects with an effective reflection surface of roughly 0.09 square metres (approximately 0.11 square feet) within a range of up to 155 miles (subject to the properties of the target and its altitude). This data can subsequently be relayed to air defence systems linked with the radar. Moreover, the radar's software can classify targets into categories such as maneuvering missiles, drones, and aircraft and helicopters, which aids in targeting priority.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that this system includes a rotating antenna, enabling 360-degree detection capability, unlike old systems like Patriot, which are limited to 120 degrees. If the antenna's rotation speed, which provides target position updates in less than a second, is deemed too slow, the radar can emit a continuous beam, reducing its detection angle to 100 degrees.

Currently, Ukraine possesses nine TRML-4D radars, and with the forthcoming delivery, the total will rise to 15. These devices form part of the essential kit for the short-range air defence system battery IRIS-T SLM, but they can also function with other air defence systems, enhancing their overall effectiveness.