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Brazilian SkyWave Radar Uses Ionospheric Technology to Track Invisible Threats Up to 3,000 km, Reinforcing Monitoring of the South Atlantic and National Sovereignty.
During LAAD 2025, one of the largest defense and security fairs in Latin America, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a strategic agreement with IACIT for the development of the OTH 0200 Skywave radar, an over-the-horizon (OTH) tracking system capable of monitoring targets at distances of up to 3,000 kilometers. The technology is based on the reflection of signals in the ionosphere, allowing surveillance beyond the geographic horizon.
The Skywave radar will be produced in Brazil with national technology and represents a significant advance in the defensive and aerial and maritime surveillance capabilities of the FAB, especially in the South Atlantic region, considered strategic due to its expanse and concentration of natural resources.
Brazilian Skywave Radar Will Be Developed by IACIT in Partnership with FAB
The agreement for the development of the 3,000 km Brazilian radar was signed in the presence of high-ranking authorities from Brazilian military aviation, including the FAB Commander, Lieutenant-Brigadier of the Air Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, the General Director of DECEA, Lieutenant Brigadeiro Maurício Medeiros, and the President of CISCEA, Brigadier-General Alexandre Massena Javoski.
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The contract consolidates IACIT, based in São José dos Campos, as one of the leading suppliers of advanced technological solutions for national defense. Founded in 1986, the company has expertise in areas such as electronic warfare, radar, meteorological and navigation systems, and will be responsible for the design and production of the OTH 0200 Skywave radar.
Over-the-Horizon Radar Brazil: Extended Range Through Ionospheric Reflection
Unlike conventional radars, limited by the curvature of the Earth and physical obstacles, the Skywave radar will use radio waves that propagate through the ionosphere, a layer of the Earth’s atmosphere that allows for the reflection of low-frequency signals. This technology will enable the FAB to detect aircraft, vessels, and objects up to 3,000 km away, even beyond the line of direct sight.
This type of system is known as over-the-horizon radar (OTH) and is already employed by countries with large coastal areas and strategic interests in oceanic regions. The Brazilian project marks the country’s entry into this select group of nations capable of long-range monitoring from land.
National Technology Will Enable Continuous Operation in Complex Environments
The Brazilian Skywave radar will be designed to operate continuously and with high availability, even under adverse environmental conditions and in areas with high electromagnetic noise. The system will feature advanced digital processing, automatic target identification, and interference resistance, making it suitable for strategic surveillance missions, air defense, and maritime traffic control.
The application of this radar focuses primarily on surveillance of the South Atlantic, a region vital to Brazil’s geopolitical and economic interests. The project also strengthens the concept of technological autonomy in defense, one of the pillars of the national security strategy.
Skywave Reinforces National Sovereignty and Technological Independence
The signing of the contract with IACIT reflects the commitment of the Brazilian Air Force to the development of sovereign solutions in the defense sector. The Skywave radar not only expands the reach of aerial and maritime monitoring but also symbolizes Brazil’s ongoing effort to consolidate independent capabilities for development, production, and operation of critical technologies.
According to FAB representatives, the nationalization of strategic projects such as the Skywave over-the-horizon radar allows for greater independence from external suppliers, while generating technical knowledge, innovation, and high value-added jobs in the country.
3,000 km Radar Will Expand Coverage of the South Atlantic
The introduction of the Skywave radar will allow Brazil to significantly increase its surveillance capability in the South Atlantic, a region that encompasses the Blue Amazon, a maritime area with over 4.5 million km² under Brazilian jurisdiction. This area houses commercial routes, oil platforms, natural wealth, and fishing zones vital to the national economy.
The system will be essential for anticipating movements of unknown aircraft or vessels in areas far from the coast, enhancing the situation awareness of the FAB and allowing for quicker responses to potential threats or emergencies.
The long-range Brazilian radar will also be integrated into the command and control systems already operated by the Air Force, including the SISDABRA (Brazilian Aerospace Defense System) and the CINDACTA (Integrated Center for Air Defense and Air Traffic Control). This connection will allow for the real-time utilization of the information generated by Skywave, assisting in patrol, interception, and air escort missions.
The project also includes the construction of land-based transmission and reception stations, as well as remote operation centers that will ensure security, redundancy, and operational flexibility.
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