KALKAN and KALKAN II were developed to fill the tactical-level early warning and medium-altitude surveillance gap within Turkey’s layered ground-based air defense structure. The radar is designed to detect and track a broad spectrum of airborne threats, particularly medium-altitude fixed-wing aircraft, attack helicopters, low radar cross-section (RCS) UAVs, and cruise missiles.

Operational Role and Mission

The primary mission of the KALKAN radar family is to provide:

• 360-degree airspace surveillance
• Early detection and tracking of airborne threats
• Target data cueing for surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems
• Local and networked air picture generation

It functions both as a standalone tactical radar and as a network-enabled sensor integrated into higher-level command and control (C2) systems.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

Within the Turkish Land Forces’ air defense doctrine, KALKAN radars operate as forward-deployed tactical surveillance sensors. They:

• Detect incoming aerial threats
• Transmit track data to air defense C2 systems
• Enable missile systems to conduct engagements

The radar architecture is designed to operate in conjunction with short- and medium-range SAM systems, contributing to a layered air defense approach. It supports integrated air picture generation through network connectivity.

System Architecture

KALKAN radar systems include:

• X-Band phased-array electronically scanned antenna
• 3D target detection capability (range, azimuth, elevation)
• Integrated IFF Mode 5 interrogator
• GPS and automatic north-finding system
• Tactical data link interfaces

The electronically scanned array provides rapid beam steering, high refresh rates, and reduced reaction times compared to mechanically rotating systems.

Survivability and Protection

The system incorporates:

• Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM)
• Jammer direction finding capability
• High mobility for rapid repositioning
• Short deployment and redeployment time

Mobility is a key survivability factor, reducing vulnerability to anti-radiation missiles by enabling shoot-and-scoot tactics.

Detection Performance and Coverage

• 360° azimuth coverage
• Elevation coverage: -10° to +55°
• Detection range exceeding 100 km (KALKAN)
• Detection range exceeding 120 km (KALKAN II)
• Simultaneous tracking of 60+ targets

Exact reaction time values are not publicly disclosed, but the phased-array design supports low scan cycle times and high update rates.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

• High-resolution X-Band detection for small RCS UAVs
• Effective tracking of low-altitude cruise missiles
• Operation in contested electronic warfare environments

Limitations may include higher atmospheric attenuation typical of X-Band systems compared to lower frequency radars; however, deployment planning mitigates terrain and environmental constraints.

Variants

KALKAN (Baseline Version):

• 100+ km detection range
• 60+ simultaneous tracks

KALKAN II:

• 120+ km detection range
• Enhanced signal processing
• Improved detection sensitivity

Detailed software block upgrades and algorithmic enhancements are not publicly disclosed.

Detailed Technical Information

Dimensions and Weight

Exact system weight and dimensions are not publicly disclosed. The radar is mounted on a tactical wheeled vehicle platform.

Power System

Operates via integrated or external generator units. Specific power consumption figures are not publicly available.

Performance Parameters

• Frequency Band: X-Band
• Maximum Detection Range:
  • KALKAN: 100+ km
  • KALKAN II: 120+ km
• Fighter aircraft detection range: 40–60 km
• Track capacity: 60+ targets
• Azimuth coverage: 360°
• Elevation coverage: -10° / +55°

Sensor Capabilities

• 3D target measurement
• Phased-array electronic beam steering
• IFF Mode 5 integration
• Jammer direction finding

Engagement and Fire Control

KALKAN is an early warning and surveillance radar, not a dedicated fire-control radar. It provides target track data to missile systems.

Command and Control Integration

• Tactical data link interfaces
• Network-enabled operation
• Integration into higher-echelon air defense C2 systems

Specific data link standards are not publicly disclosed.

Electronic Warfare Resilience

• ECCM techniques
• Adaptive frequency management (details not publicly disclosed)
• Jammer detection capability

Mobility and Deployment

• Deployment time under 20 minutes
• GPS-assisted alignment
• Automatic north-finding system

Personnel Requirements

Exact crew size and operational staffing levels are not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of the KALKAN radar?

• It provides medium-altitude early warning, detects and tracks airborne threats, and supplies targeting data to air defense missile systems.

What is the maximum detection range?

• KALKAN exceeds 100 km, while KALKAN II exceeds 120 km in detection range.

What types of targets can it detect?

• Fighter aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles. It is optimized for detecting small radar cross-section targets.

How many targets can it track simultaneously?

• More than 60 targets at the same time.

Is the system mobile?

• Yes. It is mounted on a tactical wheeled vehicle and can be deployed in under 20 minutes.

Does it integrate with missile systems?

• Yes. It is designed to operate in conjunction with ground-based surface-to-air missile systems.

What is the difference between KALKAN and KALKAN II?

• KALKAN II offers extended range (120+ km), enhanced signal processing, and improved detection sensitivity compared to the baseline KALKAN system.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product documentation
• ASELSAN annual activity reports
• Public releases from the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries
• International defense exhibition catalogs
• Open-source defense analysis publications