Espreso. Global
Review

TRML-4D: cutting-edge radar shielding Ukraine’s skies

30 January, 2025 Thursday
12:37

Effective air defense requires more than just launchers and missiles — to be successful, the target must first be detected. This is how the IRIS-T air defense system used by Ukraine's defenders works with the German TRML-4D radar

client/title.list_title

Content

1. What is TRML-4D?

2. How TRML-4D radar works

3. TRML-4D characteristics

4. TRML radars in Ukraine

5. What else is known about the TRML-4D radar?

What is TRML-4D?

TRML is a family of air defense radars initially developed by Telefunken and now produced by Hensoldt. The name translates from German as Telefunken Mobile Airspace Surveillance Radar (German: Telefunken Radar Mobil Luftraumüberwachung).

The latest version, TRML-4D, which Ukraine is using, was unveiled at the Eurosatory exhibition in 2018. The first customers received this radar in 2020.

TRML-4D can detect, track, and classify all types of aerial threats, including cruise missiles, drones, as well as maneuvering aircraft and helicopters flying at low altitudes. The radar can simultaneously track up to 1,500 targets within a 250 km radius. Its guidance system can distinguish between friendly and enemy aircraft and detect and counteract jamming attempts.

Defense Express calls the TRML-4D the most advanced in its class. Hensoldt CEO Thomas Müller describes it as "the best medium-range radar in the world today." Meanwhile, Bloomberg states that the radar "helps Ukraine intercept more than 90% of enemy aircraft over its skies."

How TRML-4D radar works

"The core of this fully digital radar is an active phased array antenna made of gallium nitride. Simultaneous multi-beam and Doppler signal processing allows it to operate in complex conditions with interference and high target density," states Defense Express.

The array effectively detects small and low-observable targets with a radar cross-section of 0.01 square meters. Experts consider this figure very high, significantly outperforming modern cruise missiles and stealth aircraft.

The developer emphasizes the radar's ability to rapidly create target tracks. Additionally, the manufacturer guarantees the reliability of the radar components and claims they operate without failure in 24/7 mode.

The TRML-4D radar is mounted on an 8x8 wheeled chassis, making it transportable by A400M or C-130 aircraft.

The TRML-4D radar system was primarily designed for use with the IRIS-T air defense system. It serves as the primary detection tool for the IRIS system, which also includes several self-propelled launchers and a fire control center. In cooperation with the IRIS-T system, the radar enables the interception of aerial targets at distances up to 40 km and altitudes up to 20 km.

Regarding target detection range, while the radar's instrumental range is 250 km, a fighter aircraft is detected at a range of 120 km, and tactical missiles at 60 km. In one of the videos showcasing the TRML-4D's capabilities, Hensoldt demonstrated the tracking of a target such as an artillery shell at an effective range of 96 km.

However, the German radars can operate independently of the IRIS system. Modern NATO radars are integrated into a unified network, enabling information exchange and the creation of a single information field. Formally, according to Defense Express, the TRML-4D can also work in the NASAMS air defense system, which has its own AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar, and can transmit information to Soviet-made air defense systems. This creates a comprehensive picture of the airspace, with all radars, launchers, command posts, and radars functioning within a unified system. This approach ensures high efficiency, maximum situational awareness, and a short response time.

TRML-4D characteristics

  • Frequency – C-band,
  • Instrumental range – 250 km,
  • Tracking range – 120+ km (fighter jet), 60+ km (supersonic missile),
  • Maximum detection altitude – 40 km,
  • Number of targets – up to 1500,
  • Minimum RCS of the target: 0.01 sq. m,
  • Deployment time – 10 min,
  • Price – approx. 17 million euros.

TRML radars in Ukraine

The first agreement regarding the supply of 4 TRML-4D radars to Ukraine was signed back in 2022. In October of the same year, the first radar system was delivered to Ukraine.

"The situation in Ukraine requires swift and decisive action. Thanks to our serial production line and the dedication of our employees, we can supply these systems to protect the population in the shortest possible time," said Hensoldt's Thomas Müller at that time.

In 2023, it was announced that 5 more TRML-4D radars would be supplied to Ukraine. These radar systems were also included in subsequent arms packages, and it was reported that Germany would provide Ukraine with 6 more radars by 2024.

As of the beginning of 2025, the German government officially reports the delivery of 16 TRML radar systems to Ukraine. However, it is noted that decisions made do not yet mean that the radars are already in Ukraine.

"Some deliveries require modernization, production of weapons may still be ongoing, or training of crews may be taking place," states the German government website.

What else is known about the TRML-4D radar?

Regarding the cost of the radars, in 2023, manufacturers reported that the contract for supplying 6 systems to Ukraine exceeded 100 million euros. Therefore, the approximate cost of one TRML is around 17 million euros.

Overall, defense company Hensoldt reported receiving orders worth "significantly over one billion dollars" in the first half of 2024. Although the share of TRML-4D radars in these orders was not disclosed, the company is so confident in the demand for these radars that it produces systems in advance – before receiving actual orders, as Bloomberg reported.

In addition to Ukraine and Germany, these state-of-the-art radars are also used by the Netherlands, Lithuania, Malaysia, and Thailand. In 2024, contracts were signed to supply radars to Latvia and Slovenia as part of the European Air Shield program.

However, so far, the radars have been used in combat conditions, not on training grounds with decoys, only by Ukraine. The real military use, with the corresponding threats, has demonstrated the effectiveness of the systems, according to experts. For example, Defense Express reported that "the radar performs excellently in the hands of our military" and noted its effectiveness in detecting Russian aircraft.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Thursday
6 February
17:50
Exclusive
Putin engages in backchannel talks, aiming for a "peace" on his terms
17:27
Russia plans to complete "renovation" of Mariupol drama theater by end of 2025
17:06
Exclusive
At least 20,000 Ukrainian civilians are being held in Russian captivity
16:42
Ukraine receives F-16 fighter jets from Netherlands
16:19
OPINION
Moscow will drag out negotiations as long as possible
16:00
Trump envoy Kellogg rejects idea of restoring Ukraine’s nuclear status
15:44
Russian drone strikes densely populated residential area in Ukraine’s Kharkiv
15:25
Ukrainian drones target 66% of Russian military equipment in January — Ukraine's top general
15:07
UK to convene Ramstein meeting on February 12
15:00
Updated
Ukrainian forces strike Russian airfield in Krasnodar region used for launching Shahed drones
14:49
Exclusive
Ukraine's future depends on attracting qualified foreign workers — Ukraine’s Confederation of Employers
14:32
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia to cut ties with Russia’s power grid this weekend
14:13
Russian forces turn to horses, donkeys for frontline supply runs
13:56
First French Mirage 2000 fighter jets arrive in Ukraine
13:37
Exclusive
Bridgehead near Dvorichna, Kharkiv region, keeps expanding — military expert
13:15
Exclusive
Russian army makes no gains in Kupyansk sector for three weeks — Ukrainian officer
12:54
North Korea using Ukraine as testing ground to improve missile accuracy
12:33
OPINION
Zelenskyy open to talks with Putin, but prospects remain dim. Vitaly Portnikov's column
12:11
Review
'Likely Palianytsia missile': strike on Russian oil refinery, cutting-edge tech Ukrainian innovators offer military. Serhiy Zgurets’ column
11:48
Exclusive
UK moves to take lead in cooperation with Ukraine — diplomat
11:29
Exclusive
Putin has no interest in negotiations, Trump must realize it fast — diplomat
11:10
Exclusive
Russia’s top strategy: provoking elections in Ukraine with temporary ceasefire — political scientist
10:51
Trump envoy Keith Kellogg to visit Ukraine on February 20 — media
10:34
90 clashes at front on Feb. 5: Ukrainian forces halt 24 Russian attacks in Pokrovsk sector
10:12
Russia loses nearly 40,000 troops in six months of Kursk operation — Ukraine's General Staff
09:35
Russia loses 1,240 soldiers, 46 artillery systems, 16 armored vehicles in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Wednesday
5 February
21:30
Ukraine’s Defense Forces destroyed 13,000 Russian artillery systems in 2024
21:15
Zelenskyy believes Kursk operation will be key in negotiations
21:00
Exclusive
Ukraine gets weapons to exert strategic pressure on Russia
20:41
Exclusive
What Trump really meant about Ukrainian rare earth metals
20:20
Exclusive
Russian troops dig multi-story trenches hard to clear, says Ukrainian serviceman
19:54
Russia establishes new foothold on right bank of Oskil River, Kharkiv region
19:30
Explosion near Kamianets-Podilskyi recruitment center kills one, injures four
19:10
Exclusive
Killing of recruitment officer is consequence of Russia's special operations in Ukraine
18:45
Ukraine proposes storing American gas in its facilities
18:20
OPINION
Flaw in "everything was fine if not that damned Putin" narrative
17:55
Russian conscripts sent to Ukraine frontline despite Kremlin’s promises
17:30
Ukraine-U.S. cooperation goes beyond natural resources for mutual benefit — FM Sybiha
17:12
Italy's Bologna hosts protest against Russian disinformation, propaganda
16:50
Ukraine frees 150 defenders from Russian captivity
More news