QinetiQ introduces new low trajectory rocket radar
QinetiQ has developed a new radar specifically designed to provide sufficient warning against short range, low trajectory rocket attacks. Called Alarm, the multiple array receiver radar will provide rapid detection and threat assessment, offering greater protection for troops by enabling personnel to take evasive action to reduce casualties.
Unlike high trajectory rounds, short range, low trajectory rocket attacks are difficult to detect and their high velocity reduces the amount of potential warning time available. The Alarm radar has been designed to deal with this indirect fire threat to military bases.
The Alarm radar is fully automatic, requires no manning and can be set up in 2 to 3 hours. According to QinetiQ, it has proven to be effective in a series of trials against several hundred short range rockets, and the capability has been extended to cover other direct fire weapons. The training burden is small and the system exhibits a very low false alarm rate - essential for an automated system - and a very high probability of detection.
Alarm is now in high rate production, and QinetiQ has been awarded a second contract from an unnamed customer for a quantity of radars and software development, and also has plans to develop the capability further to address other key threats.
More from Land Warfare
-
![The first of 663 BvS10s delivered to Germany, Sweden and the UK]()
The first of 663 BvS10s delivered to Germany, Sweden and the UK
The vehicles are based on the latest version of the BvS10 All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and include variants for troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation, recovery, and command and control. An unarmoured version is being delivered to the US and offered to Canada.
-
![DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer]()
DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer
Thales launched Storm-H in 2012 as an EW system equipping individual dismounted troops, and a decade later revealed details to develop the improved and more powerful Storm 2.
-
![The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating]()
The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating
Drones and military ground vehicles are increasingly being designed to operate together as a single platform or even to convert crewed systems to automated ones.
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
