Australian developed CEAFAR radar now operational

The Australian developed and manufactured CEAFAR-2L air search radar has reached Initial Operating Capability status mounted aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class frigates.

CEAFAR, manufactured by SEA Technologies, is an active phased array radar with a unique microwave tile-based design incorporating Digital Beam Forming (DBF) technology.

Originally delivered to the navy in 2010, the radar was the first first fourth generation Active Phased Array Radar (PAR) System to be brought into service anywhere in the world.

The radars are replacing existing Air Search Radar Systems on the frigates under the SEA 1448 Phase 4B project.

Chief of the navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan said the cutting-edge technology was delivering world-class capability through a strategic collaboration with our Defence Industry Partners.

Vice Admiral Noonan said: “This technology has delivered a significantly advanced air warfare and missile self-defence capability to Navy’s Anzac Class frigates and provides Navy with one of the most advanced, sovereign air search radar capabilities in the world.

“The close partnership between Government and Australian industry is crucial to this Australian success story.”

Deputy Director Systems Commander David Bettell said the new radar system had been integrated with the 9LV Combat Management System and had been successfully demonstrated at sea.

“The Anzac Air Search Radar replacement project has not only replaced the ageing air search radar but delivered ground-breaking integrated digital Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability, a world first within a Phased Array Radar System.”

It offers significant improvement of detection, classification and identification of air contacts, a greater level of radar and combat management system integration, improved levels of radar functionality and significant improvements in equipment support and reliability.

The Anzac Air Search Radar Replacement was jointly completed in collaboration between CEA Technologies, Saab Australia and BAE Systems.

Picture: cea.com.au/CEAFAR radar

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