NATO has contracted Indra to upgrade the radar warning and self-protection controller system of the Spanish Air and Space Force’s C295 medium tactical transport aircraft.
The agreement covers the entire C295 fleet, also known as the T.21, under the command of the 35th Spanish Air and Space Force Wing.
Work includes the integration of ALR-400 radar warning receivers and corresponding electronic warfare controllers to bolster the force’s real-time situational awareness and analysis capability.
According to NATO, the project will equip the 35th Wing with improved aircraft protection and the capacity to deploy in conflict zones.
“This first ALR-400 equipment order, part of the outline agreement between [the NATO Support and Procurement Agency] and Indra, marks an important solution upgrade of the C295, which is one of the most versatile and robust medium tactical transport aircraft available,” the agency said.
“Through this contract, [the NATO Support and Procurement Agency] supports the Spanish Forces to use a system designed to cover all types of missions, from low altitude and close range to those of higher altitude and encounter distance.”
The ALR-400 Radar
Alongside threat detection, the ALR-400 radar obtains the target’s transmitter position, aircraft type, and signal origin.
It can process complex waveforms, including those produced through Doppler radar and advanced frequency with low detection probability.
The ALR-400 can also unmask weak signals shielded by stronger ones and other nearby transmitters.
Furthermore, the solution warns an aircraft of electromagnetic-guided missile attacks and employs countermeasures to defend against them.
In addition to its primary self-protection capabilities, the ALR-400 platform can control an aircraft’s electronic warfare system, missile and laser missile warning systems, and decoy chaff and flares.
“This type of equipment offers growth capabilities to integrate other warning systems such as hostile fire indicators, state-of-the-art directed infrared countermeasures or disturbance and deception radar electronic countermeasures,” NATO said.