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COBRA Radar

COBRA Radar

Manufacturer: HENSOLDT
Category: Radar Systems
  • Detection Range Up to 60 km
  • Frequency Band S-Band
  • Antenna Type / Technology Phased-Array
  • Target Tracking Capacity Up to 40 weapon locations

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation COBRA (Counter Battery Radar)
Manufacturer Thales / HENSOLDT (Joint European Program)
Country of Origin Germany / France / UK
Type / Role Artillery Locating Radar
Operational Domain Ground Battlefield Surveillance
Status In Service

2. Technical Specifications

Frequency Band S-Band
Antenna Type Active Phased-Array
Antenna Aperture / Size Approx. 5–6 sq. meters
Power Output High-power solid-state transmitter
Detection Range Up to 60 km
Tracking Range 40–50 km (typical)
Target Tracking Capacity Up to 40 simultaneous tracks
Elevation Coverage 0° – 40°
Azimuth Coverage 270° sector
Beam Steering Electronic (E-Scan)
Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) High PRF adaptive
Resolution High-precision trajectory calculation
Update Rate Rapid, near-real-time
Clutter Rejection / ECCM Advanced digital ECCM suite

3. Functional Capabilities

Primary Functions Artillery detection, weapon locating, trajectory analysis
Target Types Mortars, artillery shells, rockets
Integration / Networking NATO C4I systems
IFF Capability Not applicable (non-air-search)
Data Link / Networking Encrypted tactical data links
Weather & Terrain Resistance All-weather, high clutter tolerance
Mobility / Mounting 6x6 / 8x8 mobile truck platform

4. Physical & Operational Characteristics

Dimensions Vehicle-based; varies by platform
Weight Several tons (truck integrated)
Power Requirement On-board generator
Cooling System Liquid/air hybrid cooling
Operating Temperature Range –32°C to +55°C
Deployment Platform Tactical military truck
Crew Requirement 3–4 operators

5. Software & Processing

Signal Processor Type Digital high-speed processor
Processing Speed Real-time weapon trajectory calculation
AI / Automation Features Automatic classification & trajectory plotting
Data Output / Interface NATO-standard digital dat
Software Upgradeability Modular, upgrade-ready

6. Operational History

Year Introduced Early 2
Users / Operators France, Germany, Turkey, others
Notable Deployments NATO peacekeeping & European missions
Successor / Predecessor Upgraded COBRA variants

7. Export / Compliance Data

Export Availability Restricted government-to-government
ITAR / MTCR Status Non-U.S. system; subject to EU restrictions
Cost Estimate Tens of millions per unit (varies)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.5
  • Range & Endurance 8 / 10
  • Stealth Capability 6 / 10
  • Technology 8 / 10
  • Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10

PROS

  1. Accurate artillery and rocket launch detection
  2. High-mobility truck-mounted configuration
  3. Strong ECCM and digital processing
  4. Long detection range for its class
  5. NATO-standard data integration

CONS

  1. High acquisition cost
  2. Limited availability outside NATO
  3. Requires trained crew for optimal use
  4. Complex maintenance requirements
  5. Large vehicle platform limits concealment

COBRA Counter-Battery Radar System

The COBRA (Counter Battery Radar) system is one of Europe’s most proven and widely deployed long-range artillery detection radars. Designed to locate hostile rocket, artillery, and mortar fire with exceptional speed and precision, the system gives commanders the ability to respond decisively during high-tempo combat operations. Originally developed through a multinational partnership involving Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, COBRA remains a cornerstone capability for NATO forces and several export users.

At its core, the COBRA radar employs a high-power phased-array antenna operating in the S-band, enabling rapid electronic beam steering, high update rates, and robust performance against clutter and electronic countermeasures. The system can detect and track up to 40 weapon locations simultaneously while identifying the exact point of origin of enemy artillery within seconds. With a detection range of up to 60 km, the radar allows friendly forces to remain outside enemy engagement envelopes while still monitoring active fire zones.

COBRA’s mobility is another defining advantage. Integrated on a 6×6 or 8×8 tactical truck, the radar can deploy in under five minutes, making it suitable for maneuver warfare, dispersed operations, and remote border monitoring. Its onboard processing system analyzes trajectories, classifies weapon types, and generates firing solutions compatible with NATO C4I networks.

Designed to survive modern electronic warfare environments, COBRA incorporates advanced ECCM, low sidelobe architecture, and high-speed digital processing. It is frequently deployed in multinational missions, crisis response operations, and artillery-intensive environments where precise counter-battery fire is essential.

Overall, the COBRA radar remains one of the world’s most capable and combat-proven counter-fire detection systems, delivering reliable situational awareness and enhanced force protection for modern armies.

COBRA Radar Price

The COBRA radar is not commercially available in the United States, as it is procured exclusively through government-to-government or NATO channels. Costs vary by configuration, training package, and support requirements, but estimates place the system in the tens of millions of dollars per unit, depending on fleet size and mission equipment.

FAQs

What is the COBRA radar used for?

It detects and locates enemy artillery, rockets, and mortar fire for counter-battery missions.

Who manufactures the COBRA radar?

It is produced jointly by European defense contractors led by Thales and HENSOLDT.

What is the maximum detection range?

The system can detect artillery fire up to 60 km away.

Is the COBRA radar mobile?

Yes, it is mounted on a tactical truck and can deploy in minutes.

Does the U.S. Army use COBRA?

No. The system is used mainly by European and NATO partners.

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