Australian Army seeks transmitters to test passive radar

The Australian Army has launched a request for tender for a Deployable Emitter System (DES), to support experimentation with passive radar technology.  

According to the announcement published on AusTender on 24 June, the system must provide predictable radio frequency (RF) characteristics, support passive radar detection and classification, maintain a low signature and place a minimal burden on forces operating it. 

Passive radar systems normally rely on existing commercial or military signals to detect and track targets without revealing their own positions. However, in environments where third-party signals are degraded or absent, the DES must act as a dedicated transmitter, emitting a tailored electromagnetic signal that reflects off potential targets so the passive radar can detect and track it. 

Australia’s Land Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare programme is managing the procurement under the Dismounted Passive Radar project. 

The field demonstrator will be used for capability assessment, operational experimentation, and risk reduction, with the results feeding into a future army decision on whether to introduce passive radar into service.  

The Australian Department of Defence has not specified fixed radiated power levels or wind speed limits. Tenderers must propose and justify these parameters based on operational outcomes and safety standards 

Responses must be submitted electronically via AusTender before 30 July. Evaluation is expected to conclude in early September, with the final award anticipated by the end of the month.