Passive Sensing for Distributed Radars

A critical part of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) mission is to protect the Homeland from incoming airborne threats. In addition to large active radar systems, national security can be enhanced further by the addition of an arbitrary number of low-SWaP-C (size, weight, power and cost) sensors distributed throughout a region. GIRD’s concept fills this need with its sensing algorithms implemented in small sensor stations, with modest network backhaul requirements and no reference signal required, in contrast with traditional passive radar systems. The result of the Phase I effort has been successful simulations that show the feasibility of the distributed passive radar approach. During the proposed Phase II program, GIRD will prototype a distributed passive radar system and demonstrate it for aerial platforms, advancing the technical maturity from Technology Readiness Level -3 to at least TRL-6. Approved for Public Release | 25-MDA-12220 (23 Sep 25)