wind

Jan 6, 2025

How wind turbines could be used to spot incoming missiles

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is exploring the use of stealth materials for wind turbine blades and radar-equipped masts to address concerns that offshore wind farms may obscure enemy attacks from radar.

Advanced machine learning is also being considered to filter radar reflections caused by wind farms. As the government aims to massively expand offshore wind power by 2030, conflicts between national security and energy security have arisen. Wind turbines pose a radar challenge because their moving blades produce complex signals, complicating the detection of objects like helicopters. BAE Systems is investigating software solutions to differentiate between turbine and aircraft reflections, potentially deleting wind farm signals from radar feeds. Other innovative approaches include radar-absorbing paints for turbine blades and using turbines as part of air defense systems with passive sensors to extend radar capabilities. NATO has expressed concerns about the UK’s current air and missile defense expenditure, emphasizing the need for improved defense systems to protect critical infrastructure. Read more.

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