Hensoldt Spexer 2000
Hensoldt Spexer 2000 is a German multi-mission AESA surveillance radar providing high-performance detection of drones, people, vehicles, and low-flying aircraft for C-UAS and border security.
System Overview
What It Is
Hensoldt Spexer 2000 is a multi-mission AESA surveillance radar designed by the German sensor specialist Hensoldt for simultaneous air and ground surveillance. Its advanced electronic scanning and signal processing provide reliable detection of small drone targets at extended ranges, making it a key sensor component in European counter-UAS architectures.
How It Works
Spexer 2000 uses an active electronically scanned array to create multiple simultaneous beams, enabling parallel surveillance of different sectors and altitudes. This multi-beam approach provides rapid scan coverage and high target update rates essential for tracking small, maneuvering drones. Advanced signal processing discriminates drones from ground clutter and natural objects, providing reliable automated detection and tracking.
Primary Capability
Multi-mission AESA radar for detection and tracking of small UAS, ground targets, and low-flying aircraft.
Overview
Hensoldt's Spexer 2000 represents German sensor engineering excellence applied to the counter-UAS challenge. As a multi-mission AESA radar, it provides simultaneous surveillance of both airspace and ground domains, detecting targets ranging from small commercial drones to vehicles and dismounted personnel. This multi-mission capability makes it particularly valuable for integrated security operations where counter-UAS is one of several surveillance requirements.
Development History
Hensoldt, Germany's leading sensor house, developed the Spexer family of radars to address the growing need for multi-mission surveillance capability. The Spexer 2000 variant was specifically designed for extended-range performance against small, slow targets like drones and dismounted personnel. Drawing on Hensoldt's decades of experience in military radar technology — including the TRML-4D and Giraffe family — Spexer 2000 applies sophisticated AESA techniques to the shorter-range, high-resolution surveillance mission.
Operational Concept
Spexer 2000 is deployed as a surveillance sensor for perimeter security, border protection, and counter-UAS applications. Its AESA antenna creates multiple electronic beams that simultaneously scan different sectors and altitudes, providing comprehensive coverage with rapid target update rates. The radar's signal processing automatically detects and classifies potential drone targets, passing tracking data to command-and-control systems for operator assessment and potential engagement by connected effectors.
Future Development
Hensoldt continues to evolve the Spexer platform with enhanced AI-based classification, wider detection coverage, and improved integration with counter-UAS effector systems. The company is also developing variants optimized for specific application scenarios including urban security, naval ship protection, and mobile military deployment. Integration with Hensoldt's broader sensor ecosystem enables comprehensive multi-domain surveillance.
Technical Specifications
- Type: AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array)
- Detection range: 10+ km (small UAS)
- Multi-beam electronic scanning
- Simultaneous air and ground surveillance
- 3D target tracking
- Low probability of intercept
Range
10+ km
Compatible Platforms
Deployed By
Key Features
- AESA multi-beam technology
- Simultaneous air and ground surveillance
- Extended small UAS detection range
- Low probability of intercept
- Multi-mission versatility
Advantages
- Long detection range against small UAS
- Multi-mission reduces sensor requirements
- AESA reliability and flexibility
- Established Hensoldt support network
Limitations
- Sensor only — requires separate effectors
- Higher cost than simpler radar systems
- Complex system requiring trained operators
- Fixed sector coverage per panel