Terma SCANTER 6002 radar selected for Hellenic Navy MEKO-class frigate modernization
European Defence Review · · 4 min read
This selection signals a growing trend: navies are upgrading legacy platforms with specialized counter-UAS radars rather than relying solely on combat system radars. Terma's SCANTER 6002, integrated with HAI's Centaur, offers a cost-effective path to detect small drones at sea. For procurement professionals, it underscores the demand for modular, bolt-on solutions that extend the life of existing hulls. The move also highlights the increasing importance of radar-sensor fusion in naval counter-drone operations, and Terma's expanding footprint in European naval modernization programs.
The Hellenic Navy's decision to equip its MEKO-class frigates with Terma's SCANTER 6002 radar, integrated with HAI's Centaur solution, is more than a routine sensor upgrade. It reflects a broader recognition that the drone threat at sea is not a future contingency but a present danger, and that legacy naval platforms require specialized sensors to counter it. While the MEKO-class frigates already carry sophisticated combat management systems and primary radars, these were designed for conventional air and surface threats. Small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems often evade detection due to their low radar cross-section and slow speed, which can be filtered out as clutter. The SCANTER 6002, a solid-state X-band radar optimized for small-target detection, addresses this gap directly.
The mechanics of the integration are noteworthy. HAI's Centaur is a counter-UAS system that likely fuses data from multiple sensors and provides soft-kill or hard-kill options. By pairing it with the SCANTER 6002, the Hellenic Navy gains a dedicated detection layer that can operate independently or feed into the ship's combat system. This modular approach allows for rapid upgrades without invasive changes to the hull or primary combat suite. It also enables the radar to be used for other tasks, such as navigation and force protection, increasing its utility. The SCANTER series is already in service with several navies for similar roles, giving Terma a proven track record that reduces integration risk.
From a demand perspective, this contract is part of a larger wave of naval modernization driven by the proliferation of drones. Navies worldwide are grappling with how to defend high-value assets against inexpensive, attritable threats. The solution is not always to build new ships but to upgrade existing ones with affordable, scalable sensors. Terma, a Danish company, has positioned itself as a key supplier in this niche, competing with larger radar houses like Thales and Leonardo. HAI, as the integrator, benefits from deepening its relationship with the Hellenic Navy and showcasing its ability to deliver turnkey counter-UAS solutions. For the Hellenic Navy, the choice of a European supplier may also reflect a desire for supply chain security and interoperability with NATO partners.
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Terma SCANTER radar will strengthen the Hellenic Navy’s counter-UAS operations through integration with HAI’s Centaur solution and contribute to the The post Terma SCANTER 6002 radar selected for