Radar is an important sensor component in forming the air situation picture. Radar air surveillance must be able to detect targets the size of a fighter even under difficult conditions and in a state of crisis, and to resist jamming.

Nowadays, the air situation picture is formed as a composite of data from several radar installations. The core of the system consists of the long-range radar, whose data is complemented by medium-range and short-range radar. Further radar data is obtained from air traffic control radar and anti-aircraft defence and marine defence radar.

Recent equipment acquisitions have brought Finland’s radar surveillance system up to date. The new radar equipment can detect even unknown flying objects long before they enter Finnish airspace.