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
  • 1000 simultaneous tracks
• 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