Hensoldt is increasing production of its TRML-4D air surveillance radar to meet rising European demand, while also confirming an order to supply six systems to the German Armed Forces as part of Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T SLM air defense program.
The company said it will raise annual TRML-4D output to 30 units, with further expansion possible if demand continues. CEO Oliver Dörre Ende noted during a July call with analysts that between 40 and 60 radars would be required to ensure full coverage of German airspace, although no formal commitments have been made. Hensoldt estimates the European market potential for the radar at around €2 billion, supported by procurement interest under the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).
The six-radar order, valued in the three-digit million euro range, was placed by Diehl Defence, with deliveries to begin next year. Hensoldt described the contract as the starting point of Germany’s contribution to ESSI, a joint effort with Diehl and Airbus aimed at strengthening European air defense.
Based on Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, the TRML-4D can detect and track about 1,500 targets within a range of 250 kilometers. It is designed to identify and classify a variety of threats, including cruise missiles, rockets, drones, aircraft and helicopters.
The system is undergoing upgrades, with upcoming deliveries featuring the ability to detect artillery shells and mortar rounds in flight. Artificial intelligence-based target recognition is also planned, as announced at the Paris Air Show earlier this year.
The radar is already deployed in Ukraine and Egypt and has been procured by Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria, Lithuania and Austria have expressed interest, and the system can also be used independently as an air surveillance asset.
Alongside the TRML-4D, Hensoldt highlighted its development of passive land radar systems and the Argos 8, a UAV-focused sensor from the ARGOS series.
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