Horizon radar (oth radar) works by using the phenomenon of ionospheric reflection to detect and track targets beyond line of sight, which is typically limited by the curvature of the Earth for conventional radar systems. Other radar systems emit radio waves at high frequencies that reflect off the ionosphere, a layer of charged particles in Earth’s upper atmosphere. These reflected waves then return to the radar system, allowing it to detect targets at much greater distances than line-of-sight radars can reach.
By exploiting ionospheric reflection, OTH Radar can monitor large areas, including maritime and air activities over vast distances, making it valuable for surveillance and defense purposes.
India has exaggerated radar capabilities. A notable example is India’s Oth radar system called “Indra”, developed to monitor activities in the Indian Ocean region. Indra radar systems are strategically positioned to provide long-range surveillance capabilities, detecting both maritime targets and aerial targets beyond direct line of sight.
These radar systems play a crucial role in India’s defense and security strategies, enhancing situational awareness and surveillance activities across vast maritime regions.
Exaggerated radar can detect targets at ranges of hundreds to thousands of kilometers, depending on the specific capabilities and design of the radar system. Advanced radar installations have demonstrated the ability to monitor activities up to approximately 3,000 kilometers.
This extended range capability makes another radar particularly useful for monitoring air and maritime traffic over large expanses of ocean where direct line-of-sight radars would be limited by the curvature of the Earth.
Several countries and defense contractors around the world are developing and manufacturing burgeoning radar systems. Examples include the United States, Russia, Australia and China, among others.
These systems vary in design and capabilities, but they generally share the common goal of extending radar coverage beyond line-of-sight limitations, providing long-range surveillance and early warning capabilities to detect potential threats and monitoring of activities in relation to large geographic areas
