Review of the state of the art of UK AESA technology and the future challenges faced

The UK Ministry of Defence is starting to introduce in to service the next generation of radar technology. This technology brings with it the potential for significant improvements in performance for airborne, ground based and naval applications as well as benefits for through life capability maintenance. However there are a number of challenges facing the implementation of advanced radar technology that can make these benefits difficult to realise. To address these challenges, the UK MoD is currently undertaking a number of advanced research and technology demonstration programmes aimed at in-service equipment and future upgrade programmes. This paper summarises the current state of UK MoD funded next generation radar programmes and highlights the key challenges faced. These challenges represent opportunities which the wider community can address.