ÇAFRAD is an integrated Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar suite developed to meet the operational requirements of modern naval warfare, particularly high-intensity, multi-threat air defense scenarios. It is engineered to provide early warning, precision tracking, fire control support, and missile illumination within a layered naval air defense doctrine.
Operational Purpose and Role
The primary mission of ÇAFRAD aboard TF-2000 destroyers is:
- Long-range air surveillance and early warning
- Ballistic and aerodynamic threat detection
- Simultaneous multi-target tracking in saturation attack environments
- Area air defense for naval task groups
The system is designed to detect and track:
- Fighter aircraft
- Cruise missiles
- Anti-ship missiles
- UAVs and loitering munitions
- Surface targets
Doctrine and Concept of Operations
The TF-2000 concept centers on area air defense and fleet protection. Within this framework, ÇAFRAD serves as:
- The primary sensor node of the task group
- A long-range air picture generator
- A targeting data provider for layered air defense missile systems
- A fire control and illumination support system for semi-active radar-guided missiles
The architecture is network-enabled and compatible with modern naval combat management systems.
System Architecture
ÇAFRAD consists of three main radar subsystems:
Long Range Search Radar (UMR) – S-Band
- Active Phased Array (AESA)
- Up to 450 km detection range (publicly disclosed)
- Volume air search capability
- 2000 simultaneous track capacity
- Air and surface target detection
The S-band provides optimal performance for long-range surveillance with improved atmospheric propagation characteristics.
Multifunction Radar (ÇFR) – X-Band
- 150 km range
- Detection, tracking, and classification
- Detection of low-altitude, sea-skimming, high-speed targets
- High-precision target tracking
The X-band offers higher resolution and improved performance against low-altitude and small radar cross-section threats.
Illumination Radar (AYR) – X-Band
- 150 km range
- Semi-active missile guidance support
- Simultaneous multi-target illumination capability
This subsystem provides continuous wave illumination for semi-active radar homing missiles during terminal guidance.
Sensor and Processing Architecture
- Solid-state transmit/receive (T/R) modules (GaN technology publicly indicated in open sources)
- Advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
- Pulse compression techniques
- Electronic beam steering
- Multi-mission simultaneous task execution
AESA architecture provides:
- No mechanical rotation (higher reliability)
- Extremely fast beam agility
- Concurrent search, track, and fire control functions
Survivability and Electronic Warfare Resistance
- Electronic beam stabilization
- Low sidelobe levels
- Frequency agility
- Advanced ECCM techniques (specific details not publicly disclosed)
The AESA design enhances resistance to jamming and reduces probability of interception.
Engagement Process
- UMR detects long-range targets
- ÇFR refines tracking and classification
- Missile launch is executed
- AYR provides terminal illumination
- Combat Management System controls engagement
Detailed command-and-control architecture specifics are not publicly available.
Detailed Technical Information
Frequency Bands
- S-Band (UMR)
- X-Band (ÇFR & AYR)
Detection Range
- UMR: up to 450 km
- ÇFR: 150 km
- AYR: 150 km
Track Capacity
- UMR: >2000 targets
- ÇFR: >1000 targets
IFF Capability
- STANAG 4193 compliant
- Modes 1/2/3/C/S/5
Reaction Time
Exact values are not publicly disclosed. AESA beam steering operates at millisecond-level agility.
Mobility
Fixed naval integrated radar suite, designed for mast integration on TF-2000 destroyers.
Personnel
Operated through the ship’s Combat Management System. Exact operator numbers are not publicly disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ÇAFRAD used for?
- ÇAFRAD is a naval area air defense radar system providing long-range surveillance, multi-target tracking, and missile fire control support.
What is its maximum range?
- The Long-Range Search Radar (UMR) has a publicly stated detection range of up to 450 km.
How many targets can it track simultaneously?
- UMR can track more than 2000 targets, while the Multifunction Radar (ÇFR) can track over 1000 targets simultaneously.
Is it capable against ballistic missiles?
- The S-band architecture supports long-range detection, including high-altitude targets. However, specific ballistic missile defense engagement capabilities are not publicly detailed.
Is ÇAFRAD mobile?
- It is a ship-integrated fixed radar suite designed specifically for naval platforms such as TF-2000.
What are its international equivalents?
Comparable systems include:
- AN/SPY-1 and AN/SPY-6 (USA)
- SAMPSON (UK)
- APAR (Netherlands)
ÇAFRAD distinguishes itself as a domestically developed Turkish AESA area air defense radar.
Sources
- ASELSAN official product publications
- TF-2000 project public briefings
- IDEF exhibition materials
- Turkish Naval Forces public releases
- Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) publications