ÇAFRAD is one of Türkiye's defense industry projects. It is a high-technology multifunctional active phased array radar system that will serve as the primary sensor for the Turkish Naval Forces’ TF-2000 air defense destroyer. The ÇAFRAD Phase-1 Project, initiated through an agreement between the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and ASELSAN, aims to develop radar technologies domestically and nationally.

The first phase of the project, known as Phase-1, involves the development of prototypes for numerous radar components. During this phase, a technology demonstration prototype was created, comprising single-face versions of the Multifunctional Radar (ÇFR) and the Illumination Radar (AYR), as well as the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system. Additionally, tests were conducted on active phased array antennas and electronically scanned antennas without rotating mechanical parts.

Project Phase and Testing

Phase-1

At the end of 2018, the ÇAFRAD Phase-1 project was successfully completed, resulting in the production of the ÇFR-1 (Multifunctional Radar) and AYR-1 (Illumination Radar) systems. Following these tests, the systems were integrated into the TCG Göksu (F-497) frigate and also incorporated with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) system.

^{ÇAFRAD installed on the stern of the TCG Göksu frigate. (Anadolu Agency)}

The provisional acceptance tests, which began in November, were concluded with live-fire tests conducted in December. A high-speed target drone named Şimşek was detected and tracked by the ÇFR-1 System, while the AYR-1 System provided missile guidance, resulting in the successful interception and destruction of the target.

^{Şimşek Target Drone Developed by TUSAŞ. (Anadolu Agency)}

ÇAFRAD Technological Specifications

Active Non-Rotating Type IFF Antenna Subsystem

• Interrogation Modes: STANAG 4193 compatible Mode 1/2/3/C/S/5
• Range: 450 km

Active Phased Array Multi-Function Radar (ÇFR)

• Frequency Band: X-Band
• Mission Types: Volume search and horizon search
• Target Detection: Detection, tracking, and classification of air and surface targets
• Target Tracking: Detection and tracking of fast and low-altitude small targets
• Multi-Target Tracking: Simultaneous tracking of multiple targets
• Range: 150 km
• Track Capacity: Capable of tracking over 1,000 targets

Active Phased Array Illumination Radar (AYR)

• Frequency Band: X-Band
• Missile Guidance: Semi-active missile guidance
• Range: 150 km

Active Phased Array Long-Range Search Radar (UMR)

• Frequency Band: S-Band
• Mission Type: Long-range volume search
• Target Detection: Detection and tracking of air and surface targets
• Range: 450 km
• Track Capacity: Capable of tracking over 2,000 targets