Radar in modern security: expanding coverage and reducing complexity

Radar technology is gaining ground as a powerful tool in physical security, particularly for large and complex sites such as airports, ports, and critical infrastructure.
 
While traditional perimeter protection methods remain relevant, radar offers a different approach that emphasizes wide-area coverage, integration with existing systems, and clear situational awareness for operators.

Strengths and trade-offs of sensor types

Different sensor types bring unique advantages, and selecting the right mix is often key to achieving effective security. According to Simonas Mikuzis, Security Segment Leader at Navtech Radar, the choice depends heavily on the environment.
 
“Different sensor technologies bring different strengths. Each technology has its role depending on the environment. Radar is particularly effective in large, open environments because one rotating sensor can cover vast areas with minimal infrastructure,” Mikuzis explained.
 
Unlike technologies that focus on a fixed point or line, radar continues to track intruders once they cross the perimeter. This allows operators to follow movements across open areas such as “runways, taxiways, or aprons,” Mikuzis noted.
 
Other sensor technologies, such as thermal cameras or fence-based systems, still add
value in specific contexts. However, Mikuzis emphasized that the most effective solutions often combine multiple technologies. “The strongest solutions come from combining the right mix rather than relying on one alone,” he said.
 
For systems integrators, this underscores the importance of designing layered solutions that leverage complementary technologies, balancing cost, range, and false alarm management.

Presenting clear and actionable data

One of the main challenges in perimeter security is not simply detecting intrusions, but presenting the data in a way that is clear and actionable for operators. A system that generates too many alarms or provides raw data without context risks overwhelming security staff.
 
“Operators need clarity, not complexity,” Mikuzis stressed. “Our system displays rich, site-wide radar data into a simple site map, showing exactly where movement is happening. Tracks of people or vehicles appear in real time, and nearby cameras are directed automatically to the event.”
 
This integrated approach eliminates the need for operators to sift through lists of alarms. Instead, they are presented with a visual overview of activity across the site. Radar detection can also be enriched with external data feeds, providing vital context.
 
“We also bring in external data feeds: ADS-B for aircraft, AIS for vessels, and friend-or-foe IFF systems. This context allows security teams to distinguish authorized activity from real intrusions, and to respond faster and with greater confidence,” Mikuzis said.
 
For consultants and integrators, this highlights a growing trend: the move away from siloed security systems toward integrated platforms that merge detection, tracking, and video verification into a unified operational picture.

Case studies in airport security

Airports present some of the toughest perimeter security challenges due to their large size, complex infrastructure, and constant activity. Radar is proving to be a valuable tool in such environments, especially in areas where traditional solutions may fall short.
 
Mikuzis pointed to San Francisco International Airport as one example. “The waterside boundary was challenging to secure with traditional fence-based systems. Radar provided an effective, all-weather solution, delivering reliable detection across the waterside perimeter,” he explained.
 
Similarly, at Shannon Airport in Ireland, past intrusions by protesters had highlighted vulnerabilities in the runway area. Radar was deployed to improve coverage and ensure detection regardless of visibility conditions.
 
“At Shannon Airport, where protesters had previously breached the runway, radar now gives consistent coverage of the airside, including in poor visibility,” Mikuzis said. “In both cases, radar has strengthened situational awareness and given security teams the time to respond quickly and effectively.”
 
These examples underline radar’s ability to operate in diverse weather and lighting conditions, delivering reliable results where cameras or fences alone may be insufficient.

Cost and operational considerations 

For integrators, cost is an important consideration when evaluating sensor technologies. While radar systems may involve higher upfront investment compared to traditional solutions, their ability to cover wide areas with fewer devices can reduce the need for extensive infrastructure. This can lead to lower installation costs in large, open environments where deploying multiple cameras or sensors would otherwise be required.
 
Equally important is the operational efficiency radar provides. By reducing false alarms and presenting operators with a simplified view, radar-based systems can help minimize staffing requirements and improve incident response. These savings in time and resources should be factored into long-term cost assessments when evaluating the technology for deployment.

Integration with wider security ecosystems 

Radar is most effective when integrated into the broader security ecosystem. Video management systems, access control platforms, and command-and-control software all benefit from radar’s ability to deliver precise, real-time data about moving targets.
 
When combined with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, radar can direct visual verification to the exact location of an intrusion, reducing delays and ensuring evidence is captured.
Integration with access control also opens up possibilities for coordinated responses.
 
For example, if radar detects an unauthorised vehicle approaching a restricted area, gates can be locked automatically while security teams are alerted. Similarly, integration with public safety systems can enable coordinated responses involving law enforcement or emergency services.
 
For integrators, radar integration projects offer an opportunity to add significant value by creating unified solutions that tie multiple technologies together. This requires not just technical expertise in radar systems, but also a strong understanding of software interoperability, networking, and cybersecurity.

Managing false alarms and improving reliability

False alarms are a persistent issue in perimeter security, often leading to wasted resources and reduced confidence in security systems. Radar can help address this by maintaining detection accuracy across varied conditions, from fog and heavy rain to complete darkness. Its ability to distinguish between different types of movement, such as animals versus people, further reduces nuisance alerts.
 
By combining radar data with video verification, security teams can quickly confirm whether an alert is genuine. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the risk of alarm fatigue among operators. For high-security sites, the ability to minimize false alarms while maintaining strong detection is a significant advantage.

Training and operator adoption

Another key factor for integrators to consider is operator training. Introducing radar into an existing security setup may require staff to adjust to new interfaces and workflows.
 
Mikuzis emphasized the importance of keeping systems simple for end users, but integrators still play a vital role in ensuring operators are confident and capable of using the technology effectively.
 
Training should cover not just system operation, but also how radar fits into overall security procedures. For example, operators may need to understand how radar data correlates with camera footage or how to respond to radar-generated alerts differently from traditional intrusion alarms.

Future directions for radar in security 

Looking ahead, radar technology is likely to play an even greater role as security requirements become more complex. Integration with artificial intelligence and machine learning could further improve the classification of detected objects, reducing false alarms and enabling predictive analytics.
 
For example, radar combined with AI might identify unusual movement patterns or
detect potential threats before they escalate.
 
There is also growing potential for radar to be deployed in urban environments, where drones, autonomous vehicles, and complex infrastructure present new security challenges. The ability to provide reliable detection in busy, cluttered areas may make radar a valuable addition to smart city security strategies.
 
For integrators and consultants, this evolution means keeping pace with new applications and understanding how radar can complement emerging technologies such as AI-powered video analytics and IoT-connected sensors.

Implications for integrators

For physical security professionals, radar technology represents both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, it offers extensive coverage with relatively minimal infrastructure compared to deploying multiple cameras or sensors across wide areas.
 
On the other, it requires integration with video management systems, access control, and other platforms to unlock its full potential.
 
Integrators must consider where radar fits best into a layered security strategy. Large, open perimeters such as airports, seaports, and critical infrastructure sites are prime candidates. Its ability to track moving targets across open ground or water makes it particularly suitable for sites where intrusions can happen far from physical barriers.
 
At the same time, radar should be seen as part of a holistic security solution rather than a stand-alone replacement. As Mikuzis pointed out, the strongest outcomes come from combining sensor types to maximize detection and minimize false alarms.

Looking ahead 

The use of radar in security reflects a broader industry shift toward integrated, intelligent systems that enhance situational awareness while reducing operator workload. By presenting data in clear, actionable formats and fusing multiple data sources, radar systems are helping security teams respond faster and with greater confidence.

For integrators and consultants, the message is clear: radar is no longer a niche technology but a practical component of modern security architectures. Its proven deployments in demanding environments such as airports highlight its potential to improve outcomes across a range of critical infrastructure projects.
 
As security demands evolve, solutions that combine wide-area detection with intelligent integration will become increasingly valuable. Radar, with its ability to cover vast spaces, track intruders in real time, and support rapid decision-making, is poised to play a growing role in meeting these challenges.