The Ratio Detection and Ranging i.e. Radar, is a device for detecting and locating stationary or moving objects.
A typical radar uses a powerful radio transmitter that detects object with its radio waves and also detects the reflected waves through a radio receiver. But, today ultra-wideband radars that make use of electro-optic computer and the acoustic optic process to give more data on the detected objects are also being produced.
Technological features such as moving target indication, track while scan, pulse doppler, frequency agility and displays are being incorporated in many radar systems. The smarter radar systems also possess computers, advanced signal and data processing techniques.
Based on their functions, the radar system can be grouped as land-based air defense systems, battlefield and ground surveillance radars, airborne fire control radars, naval surveillance and navigational radar.
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In India, the laboratories of the Defense Research and Development Organization, Electronic and Radar Development Establishment, Bangalore and the Defense Electronics Research Development laboratory, Hyderabad have been working on developing indigenous radar systems for defense among the Indian Radar System Rajendra Radar and Indira Radar are playing important role in defense field.
The Rajendra Radar which is a 3D phased-array surveillance Radar developed by the Electronic Research and Development Establishment. It has been mounted on the Akash Missile system, which is capable of tracking targets and guiding to missiles. It has been provided with fully digital signal processing system with adaptive moving target indicator, coherent signal process and variable pulse repetition frequency.
The radar for the meteorological purpose such as, storm -working radar has also been developed. Efforts have been also made to develop radars for tracking satellites and other high speed objects.