The Meerkat currently uses a Reutech Radar Systems RSR 904 radar but the new CSIR developed unit is more cost effective. Meerkat combines the radar with day and thermal cameras for 24-hour operation, and information analysis software that is able to detect, track and classify people entering certain areas. It can monitor up to 200 square kilometres at a time.

The new Ground-based Surveillance and Classification Radar (GSCR) developed by the CSIR is able to classify targets – for example distinguishing between animals and humans, and may thus be able to operate without the Meerkat cameras that currently aid in identifying and classifying targets. The GSCR’s goal is unattended automated operation, with a game ranger, for example, obtaining a notification of an intrusion on a cell phone.

The new GSCR radar uses C-band electronically-steered antenna technology for improved sensitivity and better target classification.

It was developed with support from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). The CSIR is aiming the new radar at the Border Management Authority, for counter-rhino poaching, and other applications.

The CSIR sees the radar, and its Tyto, Otus and RINO cameras, as building blocks potentially forming part of a larger family of surveillance radar systems for wildlife protection, border safeguarding, counter-crime on farms and in suburbs, key point security, counter air intrusion etc.

The CSIR has a long history of radar development, and is working on numerous radar projects at the moment, such as a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for unmanned aerial vehicles, and has delivered a radar-based drone detection system to armasuisse (Federal Office for Defence Procurement) in Switzerland (SAMURAI: Swiss African MUltistatic RAdar Initiative). The CSIR’s most notable recent radar project is the Quadome, developed in conjunction with Hensoldt South Africa. This is the biggest local radar project in many years, and has already secured an export customer (the UK’s Royal Navy).

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University of Pretoria electronic engineering student Neil-John Lord, speaking at the recent SA Radar Interest Group conference at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, discussed the problem of wildlife poaching and described previous efforts at identifying poachers. These included the use of camera traps in the Pilanesberg game reserve and the use of patrols and other methods.

These methods were not satisfactory due to false alarms with the camera traps: wind moving trees, leaves falling in front of the sensors or the movement of animals. Of the useable 10 percent of data, only a small subset were poachers and not animals.

He said most motion-detection models were developed in urban environments, which did not translate well to the bush and the difficulty of operating at night exacerbated the problem.

A University of Pretoria team then augmented the camera traps with additional sensors including lidar and radar sensors to detect motion (such as that of poachers) at night. The added sensors could give the observers distance to target, velocity and other extended information (size, orientation and shape) of the target.

Lord explained that with earlier radars, a target was picked up as a single return. With the advent of millimetre band radar, numerous returns were received from the same target. The target points on the radar screen were further clarified by use of an algorithm to create a ‘point cloud’. This can be averaged to get a very accurate measurement of where the target is at a given time. But a lot more can be done.

Target tracking and target classification are critical problems in battlefield surveillance systems, Lord explained. Traditionally, military radars detected and tracked targets, but classifying them is a new development in the digital age.

In World War II, for example, radars could detect enemy aircraft, but could not tell the number or type, only height and vector (size and direction). Modern systems, using improved radar and digitised software, including artificial intelligence (AI), can separate out the height, vector and often, the general type of aircraft, such as a fighter, passenger aircraft, cargo plane, or a missile. The software’s ability to ‘classify’ radar targets can make all the difference to success in the battlespace.

Getting back to the poaching problem, Lord explained that the difficulty was that, unlike ships or aircraft, sizes of animals and poachers were unknown. He said that sizes varied drastically, from elephants to impalas, but both are animals. He pointed out that separate classes could be created for separate species, but ‘that could get complicated quite quickly’.

Lord and his team discovered that the main difference between humans and animals was that humans exhibited bipedal motion, giving a different radar return to animals with quadrupedal motion. Once this difference was fed into the radar computer, it could create two ‘classes’, one for humans, one for animals. Two possible classifications were created, one based on orientation, and one on size.

Lord said he hoped the findings could be incorporated into existing poacher detection and tracking systems.

Drone detection

William Bourn, representing the University of Cape Town, told conference delegates of the promising use of millimetre band radar, specifically Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar, to detect drones and small targets.

With the increased use of drones used by terrorists, armed forces and civilian troublemakers, such as those who disrupted air traffic at Gatwick Airport, London in 2018, drone detection has become a priority, he explained.

He described existing challenges as ‘teaching’ software with machine learning to distinguish between small objects, such as small drones and birds. While much work needs to be done, the study of millimetre band radar promises solutions for a host of tasks such as assisting civil aviation at airports, catching poachers or preventing terrorists using drones to reconnoitre or attack military or civilian targets.

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This was detailed by Sparcx Managing Director Sujo Mulamattathil, who was speaking at the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) Industry Day hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on 29 November.

The RTC system is currently being developed for a defence customer, although it could also be used in public safety. Mulamattathil said RTC systems often struggle to accurately classify targets due to several challenges such as clutter, noise, multiple targets and rapidly changing environments. This lack of precision impacts safety and accuracy.

Consequently, Sparcx is building an AI-based system to identify targets faster and more accurately, and is making use of expertise at the CSIR and Reutech Radar Systems to do this – funding for the project is being provided by Sparcx, the AISI/Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and Reutech Radar Systems.

Mulamattathil said the next phase of development is size, weight and power optimisation, industrialisation, manufacturing, marketing and sales. The company’s business model is to sell its RTC system hardware with radars manufactured by companies like Reutech.

He added that a combination of radar and camera technologies to identify and better classify targets is being integrated. Use cases include farm security, wildlife monitoring, border security etc. as the system is able to tell the difference between a vehicle and, say, an animal or a human being.

Sparcx is a wholly black military veteran owned and managed electronic engineering company focussing on the aerospace, defence, and public safety sectors. It is developing several technologies, some in collaboration with the CSIR, to serve the African market.

For example, Mulamattathil explained that this year Sparcx has been developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based automatic speech recognition system for an aerospace customer to reduce incursions/accidents at airports. Other projects include implementing less lethal devices for a law enforcement agency, and industrialising AI-based smart water network sensors to reduce leakage losses for municipalities and water boards (up to 60% of municipal water is lost countrywide due to leaks).

In 2024 Sparcx was chosen as the sole South African representative in a cohort of 10 businesses from Africa in Qualcomm’s “Make in Africa 2024” start-up incubation programme. It was selected on the basis of its RTC system.

Since its inception in 2015, Sparcx has developed a number of different technologies, such as a radio frequency measurement system for the government, and an AI-driven runway occupancy alerting system.

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It is common cause that drones in all sorts of configurations play a key role in the commercial, security and defence spheres. Given the threat that enemy drones pose, the world’s militaries have developed technologies to counter these threats.

Stellenbosch-based Reutech Radar Systems (RRS) counts its latest RSR 610 Drone Acquisition Radar system amongst these technologies.

According to Anthony Green, systems and solutions specialist, the RSR 610 is a fixed-panel non-rotating surveillance radar for application against drones, ground targets, and small fast-moving water-borne targets.

“As an air surveillance radar it is effective against incoming drones and very low observable asymmetric threats, such as small boats and even humans, as well as conventional aircraft, and to designate such targets to a fire control system, which is then able to neutralise them.”

He explained that the RSR 610 comprises four panels giving all-round 360° coverage, yet has no moving parts.

“All the electronics are contained within each radar panel,” Green said. “It has variable detection ranges, offering sufficient reaction time for hard-kill and soft-kill solutions like directional jammers. Importantly, it was engineered for low probability of false alarms, even suppressing wind-blown vegetation clutter.”

While it boasts easy integration with fire control radar, the RSR 610 has a low probability of intercept thanks to the radar’s low transmitted power.

RRS has built an enviable range of other ground-based and naval radars for surveillance, tracking and fire control application.

“Our RSR 906 system can be deployed against ground targets such as vehicles and dismounted troops, as well as aerial targets and in coastal surveillance against sea surface vessels,” he said. “As an air surveillance radar, it can also designate targets, such as aircraft and drones, to a fire control system.”

This surveillance radar provides target designation to the lightweight and compact fire control RTS 3200, which in turn outputs high data rate tracking to weapon systems, such as guns or missiles.

“We developed the RSR-150 3D radar sensor for the protection of land vehicles, as it can rapidly acquire and track multiple incoming projectiles, such as rocket-propelled grenades,” Green concluded. “It can also detect and track enemy sniper fire, which is a significant threat in asymmetric warfare.”

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One of the standout solutions in this realm is Leonardo’s ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) system, a platform designed to revolutionise how both law enforcement and the military operates, according to the manufacturer.

ATOS is an integrated, multi-sensor, and multi-platform system that provides high-end surveillance, monitoring, and command and control capabilities for security and defence operations. Developed by Italian aerospace, defence, and security company Leonardo, ATOS is designed to enhance the effectiveness of various security operations by combining a suite of technologies that improve situational awareness, tactical decision-making, and operational coordination.

The system is modular, adaptable, and scalable, meaning it can be deployed on a wide range of platforms, from manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to land-based command posts. Its versatility makes it ideal for border security applications where large, diverse geographic areas must be monitored, and rapid, accurate decision-making is crucial.

Multi-Sensor Integration

One of the most powerful features of the ATOS system is its ability to integrate various sensors, including radar units, infrared and electro-optical cameras, and communications systems. By combining data from these different sources, ATOS provides border patrol operators with a comprehensive, real-time picture of the situation on the ground. Whether it is tracking suspicious vehicles along remote border areas, detecting illegal crossings at night using infrared cameras, or intercepting illicit communications, ATOS delivers situational awareness that is critical for responding to security threats.

Command and Control Capabilities

The ATOS system’s command and control features allow for seamless coordination between different security agencies, which is essential for effective border patrol operations. It enables rapid sharing of real-time information and video feeds between aircraft, ground units, and command centres. This interconnectedness ensures that border security forces can quickly assess a situation, allocate resources, and coordinate responses, leading to faster interdiction of threats and more efficient resource deployment.

Real-Time Data Analysis

The integration of advanced analytics within the ATOS system allows security forces to process and interpret large volumes of data quickly and accurately. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, ATOS can autonomously detect potential threats such as unusual movement patterns, vehicle anomalies, or the presence of unauthorized persons in restricted areas. This automatic analysis reduces the burden on human operators, allowing them to focus on the most critical aspects of the mission while ensuring that potential threats are identified and flagged instantly.

Versatile Platform Deployment

The ATOS system can be deployed on a variety of platforms, providing flexibility for different operational needs. Whether mounted on fixed-wing aircraft for large-scale aerial surveillance, helicopters for rapid deployment in specific border zones, or UAVs for more localized and covert monitoring, ATOS is adaptable to a wide range of mission profiles. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing platforms means that border patrol agencies can enhance their capabilities without overhauling existing infrastructure.

Long-Range Surveillance

The system’s long-range surveillance capabilities allow for monitoring vast border areas, including remote and hard-to-reach locations. By leveraging high-performance radar and electro-optical/infrared sensors, ATOS can detect and track objects over long distances, providing border security personnel with early warnings of potential intrusions or suspicious activities. This extended range is especially beneficial for countries with extensive borders or challenging terrain, where conventional patrol methods may be insufficient.

Enhanced Interoperability

ATOS is designed to be fully interoperable with other security and defence systems, such as national radar networks, communication systems, and even other border security agencies’ technologies. This interoperability allows for improved collaboration between agencies, enabling the sharing of data across borders and between different levels of government, which is essential for tackling transnational crime and ensuring comprehensive border security.

Applications of ATOS in Border Security

ATOS’s multi-sensor capabilities make it particularly effective for monitoring official border crossings and detecting illegal crossings. By combining radar and infrared sensors with real-time video feeds, ATOS can detect unauthorized movement even in low-visibility conditions such as at night or during inclement weather. In the event of suspicious activity, operators can quickly deploy ground patrol units to intercept intruders before they cross into restricted areas.

Border security forces can use ATOS to monitor remote, unmanned sections of the border, where traditional patrols may be ineffective. The system’s ability to detect vehicles, boats, or individuals involved in smuggling activities enables early identification of illicit shipments and better enforcement of customs regulations. Whether intercepting drugs, weapons, or human trafficking operations, ATOS improves the ability of border patrols to disrupt illegal trade.

Illegal immigration is a significant challenge for many countries with porous borders. ATOS’s surveillance capabilities allow border patrol agencies to monitor high-risk areas, detect human movement along the border, and intercept migrants before they enter the country. The system’s ability to track and record movements also helps authorities gather intelligence on human trafficking networks and organized crime syndicates involved in illegal immigration.

The system’s infrared and optical sensors make it invaluable for search and rescue operations, particularly in difficult terrain or along coastlines. In the event of a distress call or missing persons report, ATOS can quickly identify the location of the individuals and provide real-time information to rescuers, enabling them to navigate safely to the area and deliver aid.

Leonardo’s ATOS system is, according to the manufacturer, setting a new standard for border security operations by providing advanced surveillance and command capabilities that address the growing complexities of modern border challenges. With its multi-sensor integration, long-range surveillance, and real-time data analysis, ATOS is described as a game-changer for border patrol agencies, enabling them to more effectively detect, track, and respond to security threats. As global border security needs continue to evolve, ATOS offers a flexible, scalable, and powerful solution to ensure national security, protect borders, and combat transnational crime, something which South Africa could certainly make use of for its border management challenges.

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