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| Type 346 Radar | |
|---|---|
| Name | Type 346 Radar |
| Country | People's Republic of China |
| Developer | China Electronics Technology Group Corporation; Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology |
| Introduced | 2000s |
| Type | naval active electronically scanned array radar |
| Frequency | S-band |
| Range | variable |
| Platform | Type 052C destroyer, Type 053 frigate, Type 054 frigate |
Type 346 Radar The Type 346 Radar is a Chinese naval active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar deployed aboard modern surface combatants. It serves air search, target tracking, and missile guidance roles for People's Liberation Army Navy surface fleet units, integrating with combat systems and vertical launchers on classes such as Type 052C destroyer and Type 054A frigate. The system reflects procurement and industrial trends within China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology, and related defense-industrial entities.
The sensor emerged amid modernization initiatives associated with leaders like Jiang Zemin and programs overseen by ministries including the former Ministry of National Defense (China). Its AESA architecture parallels developments in Western and Russian navies, drawing conceptual comparison to systems used by United States Navy, Royal Navy, Russian Navy, and regional fleets like Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy. The radar supports integrated air defense doctrine shaped by acquisitions such as S-300, HQ-9, and networked combat systems similar in role to Aegis Combat System, PAAMS, and Shtil-1.
Development traces to modernization drives after events like the Falklands War and technological influences from export relationships and reverse engineering trends noted in analyses by institutions such as RAND Corporation, Center for Strategic and International Studies, and International Institute for Strategic Studies. Design work involved collaboration between research institutes and shipyards such as China State Shipbuilding Corporation, Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding, and Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company. The array uses transmit/receive modules and digital beamforming techniques that reflect algorithms studied in publications by IEEE, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and university laboratories such as Tsinghua University and Nanjing University. Testing and trials occurred in waters near bases like Qingdao Naval Base and shipyards in Shanghai and Dalian.
Specifications include S-band operation, multi-function AESA capabilities, and phased-array elements enabling simultaneous surveillance and fire-control. The radar provides high update rates compatible with missile systems such as HHQ-9 and close-in weapon systems with directors akin to Type 730. Signal processing leverages digital coherent processing, pulse-Doppler techniques, and classification routines comparable to developments from Honeywell, Thales Group, and Rosoboronexport research outputs. Antenna aperture, module count, peak power, beam steering, and electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) features are tailored to counter threats typified by platforms like F-22 Raptor, Su-30MKK, F/A-18 Super Hornet, and cruise missiles exemplified by Tomahawk and BrahMos.
Operational deployment began in the late 2000s on early Type 052C hulls, with subsequent service aboard Type 054A and export models. Exercises and deployments include patrols in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and anti-piracy rotations near Gulf of Aden under commands informed by doctrines referenced in white papers from State Council (PRC). The radar supported fleet activities during high-profile events such as RIMPAC absence, bilateral encounters with units from United States Pacific Fleet and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and multinational exercises with navies like Pakistan Navy and Royal Thai Navy.
Variants reflect incremental improvements in module density, processing throughput, and integration with combat systems such as the indigenous equivalents of Aegis Combat System and VLS arrays including developments analogous to Mk 41 Vertical Launching System. Upgrades parallel export and domestic trends linked to entities like China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation and electronics firms akin to Anhui Electronics Research Institute. Specialized versions adapt ECCM and low-observable target detection influenced by studies of signatures from platforms like B-2 Spirit and anti-ship missiles like Exocet.
Comparison with contemporaries highlights trade-offs among radar cross-section discrimination, networked sensor fusion, and software-defined waveform agility found in AN/SPY-1, SAMPSON radar, and Fregat MAES. Countermeasures considered include electronic attack methods used by systems from Raytheon Technologies and Elbit Systems, while counter-countermeasure responses draw on techniques researched at centers like Harbin Institute of Technology and Zhejiang University. Analysis of vulnerabilities references incidents and studies involving signals intelligence from agencies such as National Security Agency and defense think tanks including Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Primary operator is the People's Liberation Army Navy, with platforms deployed on destroyers, frigates, and possibly export variants supplied to partner navies like Pakistan Navy and potential interest from countries such as Bangladesh Navy and Myanmar Navy. Deployments support fleet air defense zones in maritime regions of strategic interest including the Yellow Sea, Taiwan Strait, and Indian Ocean.
Active electronically scanned array, Aegis Combat System, AN/SPY-1, Type 052C destroyer, Type 054A frigate, HHQ-9, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology, People's Liberation Army Navy, S-band (radio).
Category:Naval radars of the People's Republic of China