Israel Aerospace Industries unveils balloon-mounted radar in Washington for drone detection

Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled at the AUSA 2026 exhibition in Washington POINT@AIR, a tactical radar system mounted on a compact aerostat (balloon), capable of identifying drones and other low-altitude threats, tracking them and providing forces in the field with response time.

Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled for the first time at the AUSA exhibition in Washington POINT@AIR, a tactical radar system mounted on a compact aerostat (balloon) platform. According to the company, the system combines long-range detection capability with active electronically scanned array (AESA) scanning technology, 360-degree coverage and continuous tracking from altitude.

According to Israel Aerospace Industries, the system is capable of detecting and tracking a variety of aerial, maritime and ground targets, prioritizing targets in accordance with operational needs and performing multiple missions in parallel, and can be connected to command and control systems. The radar system can provide a maneuvering force or a force engaged in combat with early warning in case of a drone attack or other vehicles coming at low altitude, warning that is supposed to help the force's survival and create the ability to intercept the threats.

The company explains that the system was designed for continuous operation and rapid deployment, without dependence on fixed infrastructure. According to them, placing the radar at altitude extends the line of sight beyond the terrain contours and obstacles at ground level, and supports earlier detection of low-altitude threats.

Israel Aerospace Industries CEO Guy Bar-Lev said that 'the ability to see and understand the battlespace is the starting point for any effective defense'. Israel Aerospace Industries Deputy CEO Dror Bar said that 'POINT@AIR was born from a rethinking of how to bring advanced radar capabilities to the field'.