ERA to Supply Czech Army With Latest PLESS Radars

The Czech Defense Ministry has approved the purchase of three passive PLESS radars from ERA for $94 million.

The proposal will now be reviewed by the country’s government, Czech publication Armadninoviny reports.

According to the manufacturer, one stationary and two mobile radars can detect drones and track targets at ranges of up to 700 kilometers.

The new systems will complement previously acquired VERA-NG radars, which evolved from the well-known Tamara radar.

PLESS is a passive radar, meaning it does not emit its own signals, making it nearly invisible to the enemy. This allows long-term surveillance of targets at extended distances — including deep in enemy territory or over the high seas.

“We have submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defense to purchase a set of PLESS devices to strengthen and expand the army’s electromagnetic surveillance capabilities,” ERA said.

The company emphasizes that PLESS technology is cutting-edge. It can, for example, monitor ship movements in the Baltic Sea while operating from the Czech Republic.

The radars can determine the position and type of both static and slow-moving objects, typically ships and enemy radars. They are also capable of tracking fast-moving targets, including aircraft and drones.

Another advantage is their ability to detect objects beyond the horizon, where conventional radars lose effectiveness.

“PLESS records signals reflected by the target itself, such as an aircraft. As these signals travel through the atmosphere, some scatter and return to the ground,” ERA explained.

The Czech Republic is preparing to bolster its defense capabilities with advanced technologies that could provide a significant edge in modern warfare.

ERA’s most advanced product is the VERA-NG system, designed for passive surveillance, early warning, and air defense. Last year, the Netherlands announced the transfer of a VERA-NG radar to Ukraine.