Observation Without Limits (O.W.L.) has announced the launch of Athena-MDR, a specialised micro-Doppler X-band radar designed to track and verify drone classifications at multi-kilometre ranges. The company said first deliveries are scheduled for October 2026.
O.W.L., which manufactures 2D and 3D digital multi-beamforming radar systems for ground and low-altitude airspace surveillance, said Athena-MDR is intended to operate as a secondary confirmation sensor within an integrated drone detection setup. In this configuration, O.W.L.’s 3D surveillance radars provide long-range tracking and cue Athena-MDR to lock onto an air target for verification, according to the company.
CEO Adam Robinett said the system is designed to work in conditions where other sensors can be constrained, including by weather, lighting, or the availability of RF signals and remote ID. He added that the radar can verify small consumer quadcopters beyond 2 km.
The company said Athena-MDR includes a built-in 4K camera for visual tracking and is designed to integrate with higher-powered cameras. O.W.L. also said the radar’s micro-Doppler capability enables detection of rotary blade motion, allowing drones to be tracked even while hovering.
O.W.L. listed the following features and specifications: processing type pulsed Doppler; frequency band X; range accuracy 5 m; Class 1 drone micro-Doppler detection range >2.5 km; Class 1 drone skin return detection range >5 km; built-in camera Sony 4K ER9500; optical zoom 25x; digital zoom 12x.
Robinett said the system is aimed at deployments supporting situational awareness and counter-UAS solutions used by critical infrastructure and government organisations.
