Israel Aerospace to Manufacture 69 'WatchGuard' Mobile Radars for German Army

The German Army has placed an order for 69 WatchGuard tactical mobile radar systems manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries’ Elta Systems subsidiary and ESG Elektroniksystem - und Logistik-GmbH.

The agreement, which is worth €36 million, was signed between ESG and The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), Globes reported earlier this week.

The radar systems will be delivered between early 2022 and 2024. IAI Elta will also provide training courses and resources and initial spare parts in order to effectively share best practices.

The WatchGuard Radar is a fifth generation of movement-detection tactical Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR), employing both staring and electronic-steering search techniques. Featuring a high update rate, the radar enables very high probability of target detection and tracking to support complex missions. Combination of staring and scanning allows to adapt and optimize the radar operation for any scenario.

The new BARÜ (ground-based reconnaissance and area monitoring system), radar system is intended to replace and provide a consolidated alternative to the aging legacy systems: PARA (tank reconnaissance radar), ABRA (artillery observation radar), LEGAR 1 (light battlefield reconnaissance radar), and BOR-A 550 (ground surveillance radar unit 550), in the Bundeswehr.

BARÜ is intended to supply comprehensive information acquisition, on demand, for all levels of command to determine threat potential, operational conditions as well as conditions in potential crisis areas. The system has all-weather day / night capability, and is capable of ongoing long-term reconnaissance and surveillance of large areas with while occupying a small force footprint. Further, it enables Force Shared Tactical Fire Support (STF), in addition to providing target tracking of previously identified enemy forces and contributing to fire correction and effects intelligence.