Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is set to unveil a new radar system this week that uses a tethered balloon to give military forces a clearer picture of potential threats approaching by air, sea or land.
The system, called POINT@AIR, will make its debut at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual defense exhibition in Washington, D.C.
Unlike conventional ground-based radars, which can have their view blocked by hills, buildings and other obstacles, POINT@AIR operates from an elevated platform known as an aerostat. The higher vantage point allows it to see farther over terrain and potentially detect low-flying drones and other threats earlier.
The technology could prove particularly useful in areas where military forces need continuous surveillance but lack the infrastructure or time to establish permanent radar installations.
Developed by IAI's ELTA Systems division, POINT@AIR combines long-range detection capabilities with 360-degree coverage. It is designed to monitor multiple targets simultaneously, including aircraft, vessels and ground vehicles, while transmitting information to military command-and-control systems.
One of its main advantages is mobility. Unlike large, fixed radar installations, the compact system can be relocated as operational needs change, allowing military units to establish surveillance coverage in new areas.
POINT@AIR combines long-range detection capabilities with 360-degree coverage
(Photo: IAI)
POINT@AIR is based on IAI's ELM-2083 radar family and uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, which allows radar beams to be directed electronically rather than relying entirely on mechanical movement. The system combines electronic scanning with mechanical rotation to monitor the surrounding area.
The unveiling comes as militaries face growing challenges from low-flying drones and other aerial threats that can be difficult for ground-based radar systems to detect, particularly in areas with complex terrain.
IAI President and CEO Guy Bar Lev said the system reflects the company's efforts to give military forces more time to identify and respond to emerging threats. "Seeing the battlespace is the starting point for every effective defense," Bar Lev said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a continuous picture of developments on the ground and in the air.
Dror Bar, CEO of ELTA Systems and an executive vice president at IAI, said the company sought to make advanced airborne surveillance technology more mobile and adaptable rather than simply producing a smaller version of an existing radar.
The company has not disclosed the system's detection range, deployment time or cost, leaving questions about how its performance compares with existing aerostat-based surveillance systems.
POINT@AIR will be presented at IAI's booth at AUSA 2026, where defense manufacturers from around the world are gathering to showcase new military technologies.