3D or primary radars have a microwave emission that any aircraft within effective range reflects passively, so the echoes will give the operator their direction, distance and height without requiring their collaboration, as does the secondary radar. Thus, 3D primary radars may detect hostile or clandestine flights. They are quite different from secondary radars, which “interrogate” the transponders placed on regulated and legal flights. All in all, 3D primary radars are irreplaceable in the complete surveillance of the national airspace.

Operating in collaboration, primary and secondary radars and the electronic network linking all of them will constitute Argentina’s National Radarization System, fulfilling a Plan undertaken by the National Government and now in construction phase. Like other INVAP projects meant for the control of wide areas, the future Argentine 3D radar is being developed not only for the local market, but as an export product as well.