TUGA radar
 TUGA X-band radar prototype at MSPO 2024 | |
| Country of origin | Poland |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PIT-RADWAR |
| Introduced | 2024 (demonstrator) |
| Type | 4D active electronically scanned array radar |
| Frequency | X-band (8–12 GHz) |
| Range | 50 m–50 km |
| Height | 700 mm |
| Width | 700 mm |
| Azimuth | 90° per antenna panel; 360° depending on configuration |
| Elevation | 33° |
TUGA is a Polish military radar under development by PIT-RADWAR, designed to detect and track aerial targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters and aircraft. It is a four-dimensional (4D) radar that measures three target position coordinates as well as radial velocity, while its operating modes and parameters are software-defined.[1]
Development
[edit]TUGA was first publicly presented by PIT-RADWAR at MSPO 2024, where it was one of three systems receiving their first public presentation from the company.[1] Later defence-industry publications reported that the radar was being developed by PIT-RADWAR's Gdańsk branch. At MSPO 2025, two further configurations were presented: a portable version with a single rotating antenna mounted on a tripod, and a four-panel configuration integrated with the SA-35 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.[2][3]
In April 2025, PIT-RADWAR also presented TUGA during a meeting between Polish manufacturers of drone and counter-drone systems and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.[4]
One of the first publicly demonstrated applications of the radar was its integration with the SA-35 demonstrator, in which TUGA forms part of a hybrid fire-control system operating together with the ZGS-35K electro-optical tracking head.[1][3] The configuration presented with the SA-35 used four flat antenna panels positioned around the vehicle, a layout intended to provide continuous 360° azimuth coverage.[3] Defence24 also described TUGA as a compact radar that could serve as a detection and tracking sensor in very-short-range air-defence systems.[5]
In September 2025, TUGA project manager Piotr Rycio stated that the radar remained a demonstrator undergoing testing. PIT-RADWAR planned to build a prototype in 2026 and subsequently manufacture a short series of radars using the company's own funds.[6] According to PIT-RADWAR's management report, as summarised by Defence24, the radar is intended for use in air-defence systems, applications for the Polish Navy, counter-UAS systems and the East Shield programme.[7]
Design and specifications
[edit]TUGA is a 4D radar using an active electronically scanned array (AESA), operating in the X band (8–12 GHz) and employing frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) technology.[1] The 700 × 700 mm antenna unit consists of two antennas, one transmitting and one receiving. The transmitter section uses gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology.[2]
A single antenna panel covers 33° in elevation and 90° in azimuth. Depending on the configuration, the radar can operate sectorially, provide 360° coverage through mechanical rotation of the antenna, or use four antenna panels for continuous 360° surveillance.[2][6] Its stated instrumented range is from 50 m to 50 km. For a target with a radar cross-section of 0.01 m², a detection range exceeding 5 km has been reported.[2] Earlier reporting by Defence24 similarly gave the overall detection range as 50 m to 50 km and approximately 5 km for small UAVs.[8] According to Polska Zbrojna, the radar weighs less than 50 kg.[6]
According to PIT-RADWAR, TUGA is intended for the detection and tracking of aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its software-defined operating characteristics allow its capabilities to be adapted to the requirements of a particular application or mission.[1] The compact panel design allows the radar to be used as a portable system or integrated with mobile platforms and stationary installations.[1] According to the project's manager, it may also be installed on combat vehicles, trailers and ships.[6] Defence-industry publications have presented TUGA primarily as a lightweight sensor for detecting small UAVs, while also describing it as capable of supporting weapon guidance against detected targets.[6]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "PIT-RADWAR S.A. zaprasza na MSPO 2024" [PIT-RADWAR S.A. invites visitors to MSPO 2024]. PIT-RADWAR (in Polish). 27 August 2024. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Przemysław Gurgurewicz (9 September 2025). "MSPO 2025: Kolejny wariant radaru Tuga od PIT-Radwar" [MSPO 2025: Another variant of the Tuga radar from PIT-Radwar]. MILMAG (in Polish). Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 Rafał Muczyński (4 September 2025). "MSPO 2025: Radar Tuga na samobieżnej armacie przeciwlotniczej SA-35" [MSPO 2025: Tuga radar on the SA-35 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun]. MILMAG (in Polish). Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "PIT-RADWAR S.A. uczestnikiem spotkania z wicepremierem Władysławem Kosiniakiem-Kamyszem" [PIT-RADWAR S.A. participates in meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz]. PIT-RADWAR (in Polish). 25 April 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ Maksymilian Dura (23 October 2024). "35-milimetrowa rewolucja w polskiej tarczy przeciwlotniczej" [The 35-millimetre revolution in Poland's air-defence shield]. Defence24 (in Polish). Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Łukasz Zalesiński (3 September 2025). "Tuga – postrach dronów" [Tuga – a terror for drones]. Polska Zbrojna (in Polish). Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ Mariusz Marszałkowski (16 July 2025). "Przeciwlotnicze nowości z polskiej spółki. Co zamawia MON?" [New air-defence systems from a Polish company. What is the Ministry of Defence ordering?]. Defence24 (in Polish). Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ Maksymilian Dura (27 September 2024). "MSPO 2024: PIT RADWAR aż z czterema nowościami: w tym z samobieżną armatą SA-35" [MSPO 2024: PIT RADWAR presents four new systems, including the SA-35 self-propelled gun]. Defence24 (in Polish). Retrieved 17 March 2026.