



| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Year Introduced | Early 2 |
| Users / Operators | France, Germany, Turkey, others |
| Notable Deployments | NATO peacekeeping & European missions |
| Successor / Predecessor | Upgraded COBRA variants |
| 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) |
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.
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.
It detects and locates enemy artillery, rockets, and mortar fire for counter-battery missions.
It is produced jointly by European defense contractors led by Thales and HENSOLDT.
The system can detect artillery fire up to 60 km away.
Yes, it is mounted on a tactical truck and can deploy in minutes.
No. The system is used mainly by European and NATO partners.
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