Denmark launches competition to replace coastal radars

Denmark is replacing its coastal air-defence radars, including the fixed long-range 3D RAT-31DL radar acquired back in 1995. (Selex ES)

Denmark has launched a EUR220 million (USD238.4 million) competition to replace its coastal radars in Bornholm and Skagen as well as on the Faroe Islands.

Three new Fixed Air Defence Radar (FADR) systems will be procured, each comprising a 3D phased-array Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR), Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) with all civilian and military interrogation modes, and Monitor and Control Units for both local and remote control of the radar system, according to a contract notice published on 1 March on the European Union tendering website.

The active electronically scanned array (AESA) FADRs must operate in the L or S frequency band, have an instrumented range of at least 256 n miles in rotating mode, and incorporate the latest proven transmitter technology such as gallium nitride.

Along with this, the systems must have a ‘stop-and-stare' mode to extend their range, update rate, and accuracy, and be capable of detecting tactical ballistic missiles. It should also be possible to monitor and control the FADRs from multiple remote facilities separate from the FADRs, the contract notice detailed.

Under the scope of the contract, the chosen supplier must provide sustainment and training for up to 25 years (the expected operational life of the radars) and install the FADRs on existing towers at the radar sites. The towers at Skagen and the Faroe Islands are already mounted with radomes, while Bornholm will require a radome.

Suppliers must respond to this contract notice to register their interest by 19 April.

In July 2023 a Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) spokesperson informed Janes