Secret Weapon Against Drones: How South Korea’s TPS-880K Radar is Changing the Game

As small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, increasingly become “game changers” in modern warfare, anti-drone systems garner significant attention. The foundation of effective anti-drone operations lies in accurately identifying potential threats. Radar technology’s performance is crucial in this process, as it can determine whether an enemy drone is intercepted successfully.

A recent event highlighted the critical role of air defense radar in this context. On December 26, 2022, a North Korean drone crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and entered the airspace over Seoul. The first equipment to detect this intrusion was the TPS-880K radar, part of the Army’s 1st Corps.

At approximately 10:19 AM that day, the TPS-880K radar detected an unidentified object coming from North Korean territory. Six minutes later, as the object moved southward, the Army’s 1st Corps identified it as a drone and notified the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This incident marked the first time our military identified a drone. Before this event, the military had struggled to detect North Korean drones, leaving them vulnerable to potential attacks.

The TPS-880K radar is a three-dimensional Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) system specifically designed to detect low-altitude airborne objects, including small aircraft and drones. It provides tracking information to the Command and Control Alert System (C2A) and various strike systems, enhancing the military’s ability to respond to aerial threats.

A Radar Designed for Extended Range and Local Air Defense

A significant aspect of the TPS-880K radar is its focus on “local air defense.” This specialized radar system is designed to protect specific areas, key military bases, and critical facilities from aerial threats. Local air defense involves deploying short-range and medium-to-low altitude air defense weapons to safeguard important installations, ground troop movements, and naval fleets from enemy attacks.

The concept of local air defense emerged in the post-World War II era. As air superiority became increasingly crucial and joint air-ground operations evolved into a key component of modern warfare, nations worldwide adopted and advanced this strategy. This approach has led to ongoing improvements in operational capabilities and defense technology.

Recognizing the limitations of existing low-altitude detection radars, such as the REPORTER and TPS-830K—both of which had a maximum detection altitude of just 3 kilometers—our military identified a need for more advanced radar systems. Changes in operational environments and expanded operational areas further highlighted this requirement.

The new radar needed to integrate seamlessly with the Command and Control Alert System to enhance the effectiveness of our air defense weapons. In response, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration launched the development of a radar system capable of real-time detection of small aircraft and drones.

In 2011, LIG Nex1 was selected as the lead contractor for this project. By 2015, the radar met all military requirements during testing and received a “combat-ready” designation. This achievement marked the successful development of the TPS-880K local air defense radar. Production began in September 2020 and is scheduled to continue until April 2027, with the initial production phase concluding in December 2021.

Advancements in Low-Altitude Radar Technology: The TPS-880K

Traditional low-altitude radars have struggled to detect small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), especially those made of non-metallic materials and under 2 meters. These limitations have drawn criticism, as UAVs can evade detection more easily. However, the TPS-880K radar addresses these challenges with notable detection range and capability improvements.

The TPS-880K radar, utilizing a three-dimensional Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), offers enhanced detection capabilities compared to its predecessors. This advanced technology allows the radar to independently perform tasks such as detecting, tracking, and identifying targets—functions that previously required multiple radar systems.

Designed to tackle emerging threats, the TPS-880K can accurately detect small drones and other low-altitude targets. It provides comprehensive data, including range, distance, and altitude, improving situational awareness and response times.

The radar system features a streamlined configuration, integrating the radar vehicle with an operational control shelter and a power generation unit. This setup facilitates quick deployment and withdrawal, enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, the TPS-880K includes chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection, significantly strengthening its operational resilience.

While operating on the front lines, the TPS-880K immediately relays the location of detected enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones to our strike forces through the Command and Control Alert System. This capability aids in effectively neutralizing enemy aerial threats. Currently, seven TPS-880K radars are reported to be operational, bolstering our air defense strategy.

TPS-880K Radar: A Leading Edge in Local Air Defense

Seven TPS-880K radar units are operational, showcasing a remarkable 98.4% domestic component localization rate, with software localization at a perfect 100%. This impressive level of domestic production sets it apart from similar systems, such as Sweden’s Saab Giraffe AMB and Israel’s Elta EL/M-2106NG.

The Saab Giraffe AMB radar features a three-dimensional active phased array antenna designed for short- and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs). Its strength lies in its compatibility with various air defense systems. Since its introduction in 1978, approximately 450 units have been produced and used across 18 countries beyond Sweden.

The Elta EL/M-2106NG is another notable system, offering three-dimensional detection capabilities. It can identify a variety of aerial platforms, from low-flying high-speed fighters to hovering helicopters, ultra-light aircraft, and drones. Its unique feature is its ability to distinguish between different types of targets while accurately measuring their range, azimuth, and altitude.

In comparison, the TPS-880K distinguishes itself through advanced domestic technology and state-of-the-art semiconductor components. It employs multiple Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs), ensuring continued operational capability even in partial system failures. The radar’s frequency range and detection distance exceed its competitors, enhancing its appeal in the export market.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration emphasized, “The TPS-880K local air defense radar represents the cutting edge of next-generation air defense technology. It embodies advanced domestic capabilities for self-defense and excels in detecting enemy air threats. With over 20 years of expertise in domestic production, the TPS-880K can be upgraded to meet the specific needs and environmental conditions of key export markets, positioning it as a strong candidate for the future K-defense market.”