Pakistan Unveils Nine New Radar and Sensor Programs Under NASTP
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP) has announced plans to develop nine new radar and sensor programs, further strengthening the country’s defense and surveillance capabilities.
New Radar Developments
Among the new projects, NASTP is working on:
- Passive Radar – A system designed for covert surveillance without emitting detectable signals.
- Multi-Function Radar – A versatile radar capable of handling multiple operational tasks.
- Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Radar – A high-tech radar for long-range aerial threat detection and battlefield awareness.
The announcement was made through a PAF promotional video featuring President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to a NASTP facility.
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Upgrading Existing Systems
In addition to these new developments, NASTP has successfully upgraded over 40 radars for the PAF, Pakistan Army (PA), Pakistan Navy (PN), and international clients. This marks a significant step in modernizing Pakistan’s radar technology.
Pakistan’s Radar Development Efforts Since the Mid-2010s
Since the mid-2010s, Pakistan has been actively working to enhance its radar and sensor capabilities.
Siemens MPDR Upgrade (2019)
A key milestone was the local upgrade of Siemens Mobile Pulse Doppler Radar (MPDR) systems, which involved integrating solid transmitters from Germany’s Hensoldt in 2019. This transformation allowed mechanically scanned radars to transition into phased array systems, improving tracking and detection accuracy.
Introduction of SR-3D Radar (2024)
In 2024, NASTP introduced the SR-3D, a short-range S-band air defense radar. A longer-range version is expected by 2026, further boosting air defense capabilities.
Passive Sensor Technology Advancements
NASTP is also advancing passive sensor technology capable of tracking over 200 targets at a distance of more than 400 km, significantly improving Pakistan’s situational awareness and reconnaissance capabilities.
Looking Ahead
With the development of next-generation radars and the modernization of existing systems, Pakistan is steadily enhancing its defense and surveillance technology. The progress under NASTP is expected to strengthen national security while also opening opportunities for international collaborations.
