Researchers from the Digital Signal Processing Research Laboratory at the Advanced Engineering School of Novgorod State University, named after Yaroslav the Wise, have developed a compact radar unit designed to detect small targets. The project focuses on identifying low-flying and partially submerged unmanned objects, aligning with recent university updates about the breakthrough.
In practical terms, the new device can monitor targets at ranges of up to several kilometers. While its primary envisioned use is on ships, the technology also holds promise for other mobile platforms and coastlines that require vigilant, discreet surveillance against small, fast-moving threats.
One of the central aims of deploying this radar is to empower vessels with the capability to spot small aerial and surface threats in the near neighborhood of the ship. This feature is especially relevant for navies, merchant fleets, and research vessels that operate in congested or high-risk waters where fast detection can prevent incidents and mitigate risk.
According to Sergey Chebotarev, who leads the NovSU School of Advanced Engineering, the unit can be mounted on ship antenna masts without altering the vessel’s inherent characteristics. It adds an extra channel to extend near-field radar coverage, enhancing situational awareness in the close-in zone where threats tend to emerge.
Chebotarev notes that this additional channel is crucial for timely identification of small, moving objects — including UAVs and unmanned surface targets. The system can detect a target, measure its distance, assess radial velocity, and capture its trajectory with a high degree of precision. In practice, this means vessels gain a clearer, faster picture of what is nearby, enabling more informed responses and safer operations at sea.
The radar operates with an antenna that both transmits and receives signals. By employing complex probing signals, the system maintains strong noise immunity and a low probability of interception, which helps preserve operational security and reliability in challenging electromagnetic environments. These technical characteristics contribute to a robust sensing capability even in cluttered sea states or busy airspaces, making it suitable for real-world maritime use.
In a broader context, researchers have previously explored cellular drone constellations as tools for human search operations, illustrating a growing interest in leveraging advanced sensing networks for life-saving outcomes. The new radar unit from NovGU aligns with this trend by extending the practical toolkit available for search and rescue, maritime safety, and defense alongside civilian applications in border monitoring, port security, and critical-infrastructure protection. The ongoing work emphasizes interoperability with existing maritime sensors and data systems to deliver a more integrated view of near-field activity, supporting operators with actionable insights rather than isolated readings. The project reflects a commitment to translating academic innovation into field-ready solutions for a wide spectrum of users at sea and onshore, where rapid, accurate information can make a life-or-death difference. Attribution: Novgorod State University, Digital Signal Processing Research Laboratory.