EL/M-2106

The EL/M-2106 ATAR is a medium-range tactical air-defense radar associated with IAI ELTA systems. Missile Defense Advocacy describes it as a 3D solid-state L-band radar with electronically steered elevation coverage, used for local air-defense warning and target designation. It fills the lower-tier air-defense sensor niche, where commanders need a deployable radar that can watch for aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and low-signature targets around a defended area.

ATAR's relevance has grown as unmanned aircraft and low-cost air threats have become common. Open-source profiles emphasize detection of low-RCS targets such as UAVs and ultralights, together with target tracking for short-range air-defense systems. A radar of this type gives local units time to classify threats and cue missiles, guns, or command posts, helping close the gap between strategic early warning and point defense.

The radar is commonly associated with short-range surface-to-air systems such as SPYDER, where the command unit needs reliable local surveillance and target data. In that role, EL/M-2106 is less about national strategic warning and more about tactical responsiveness: spotting air threats early enough for a nearby fire unit to engage. That makes it useful for air-base defense, mobile ground formations, and critical-site protection.