Finnish radar research is expanding. This autumn, LUT University will conduct tests at the Helsinki-East Aerodrome to determine whether marine radars could be used to detect drones.
“Marine radars are relatively easy and cost-effective to license for uses beyond maritime applications, and they do not require extensive infrastructure or large safety zones. It is possible that current pulse-Doppler radars could detect small drones at distances of approximately 1 to 1.5 kilometres,” says Ari Järvinen, a visiting researcher at LUT. Järvinen previously worked as a radar system operator and instructor for the Finnish Defence Forces.
New research findings will also be released in early fall on whether radar sensors installed in wind turbines can be used to detect drones and other aircraft. The results are based on measurements conducted at the TuuliMuukko wind farm in Lappeenranta. The study is the first of its kind and has already attracted interest in countries including Estonia, Poland, Norway, and Sweden.
“If we can demonstrate that radar sensors function effectively in a wind turbine environment, we will open the door to a range of technologies that can be used to detect drones. It would also represent a major opportunity for the defence industry, because the technology could be scaled across Europe,” says LUT researcher Teemu Tuomisalo.
According to Tuomisalo, wind turbines equipped with radar sensors could provide an exceptionally effective security solution: Objects could be detected well in advance because radar sensors could be installed at heights exceeding 200 metres. In addition, wind turbines already offer reliable power, telecommunications, and maintenance access for radar technology.
“The goal is not to replace the air surveillance radars that cost hundreds of millions of euros. Rather, it is to highlight complementary alternatives that could strengthen national security in today’s changed security environment,” Tuomisalo continues.
Technology developed in Finland could create a drone wall across Europe
The idea of installing radars in wind turbines has previously raised concerns, including claims that they would be easy targets for attack. Tuomisalo dismisses the argument.
"If there are 1,000 to 2,000 wind turbines and every tenth turbine is equipped with a radar, destroying the system would become very costly. Moreover, the war in Ukraine has shown that the energy infrastructure of a country is a target regardless, both in the East and in the West.”
Tuomisalo says that improving drone detection is a matter of security both for Finland and for Europe as a whole. He is convinced that wind turbines could form a drone wall along the EU's entire eastern border. Such a system would support the construction and distributed deployment of wind power in Eastern Finland, significantly strengthening the country's economic vitality.
“It is clear that Finland has not adequately prepared for drone detection. We saw that already last spring, when only a small portion of the drones that had drifted from Ukraine were detected. That is why we are now exploring different ways to ensure that drones can be detected without exception,” Tuomisalo says.
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