Israeli radar technologies are being fine-tuned directly “under the war in Ukraine.” The Israeli company Rada has begun actively adapting its multi-mission radar systems to the realities of the Ukrainian front — updating software for stations already delivered and offering several power/configuration options. This was told by Ihor Fedirko, executive director of the Ukrainian Council of Arms Manufacturers.
What radar are we talking about?
The key system now used by the Defense Forces is the ieMHR (Improved Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar). It’s a compact, all-round (360°) radar designed to detect:
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very small UAVs (including “nano” and FPV level),
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larger reconnaissance/strike drones,
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helicopters,
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low-flying aircraft and cruise-type threats.
The radar is produced in two versions — portable and vehicle-mounted — so it can be pushed close to the line of contact, where Russian drones operate most actively.
Detection ranges
According to the manufacturer, the ieMHR can detect:
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nano / very small UAVs — up to 10 km
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medium drones — up to 45 km
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helicopters — up to 45 km
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fighters at low altitude — up to 35 km
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heavy transport aircraft — up to 100 km
For a compact system, these are good indicators — especially in the part that Ukraine needs most now: spotting small, low-signature targets before they reach critical infrastructure or frontline positions.
Why Ukraine needs this kind of radar
Russia is massively using:
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FPV drones,
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“lancet”-type loitering munitions,
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Shahed/Geran kamikaze UAVs,
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cruise missiles at low altitudes.
Not every classic Soviet or even Western air-defense radar “sees” such small and low-flying targets well — especially close to the front, in cluttered terrain. That’s why tactical, multi-mission hemispheric radars like the ieMHR have become a separate segment of Ukraine’s layered air defense: they “pick up” what big radars can miss and give targeting data to mobile fire teams.
How many are in Ukraine
Fedirko says Ukraine has already received more than 16 ieMHR stations. A significant part of them was purchased or delivered by volunteers, including the well-known organization Blue/Yellow. The first such radars went on combat duty back in May 2023, and the military confirmed their usefulness in detecting Russian drones and missiles.
Software updates on the fly
A key advantage of Rada’s approach, Fedirko stressed, is rapid software adaptation. Ukrainians send real combat feedback — the Israelis update the software pack and expand the line from lower-power to more powerful solutions. For Ukraine, this is important because the enemy is constantly changing flight profiles, speeds and even UAV materials to reduce radar visibility. A radar that “learns” quickly survives on the battlefield.
The downside — price
Fedirko also noted that the cost of the Israeli system is significantly higher than that of Ukrainian developments in this niche. But in several cases Ukraine needs systems that are already combat-proven, integrated and come with manufacturer support — especially when it comes to covering critical assets.
Why it matters beyond Ukraine
Rada’s ieMHRs in Ukraine have essentially turned into a field testing ground for modern tactical air-surveillance concepts. Every update based on Ukrainian experience increases the value of such radars for other countries that expect to face swarms of small UAVs, not just classic aircraft.
Bottom line: Ukraine is steadily building a “lower tier” of air defense — mobile, compact radar posts that can see small drones. Israeli ieMHR stations have already shown that they can do this job — and the fact that the manufacturer keeps updating them to Ukrainian requests means this cooperation will only deepen.
