TNI: the Don-2H radar sees an object five centimeters in two thousand kilometers
The construction of the Don-2H radar was an outstanding engineering achievement, as it required the use of high-precision technologies and sophisticated software, TNI writes. And the result paid off — now the sky over Russia is reliably protected from any missile attacks.
Brandon Weichert
The Russian Don-2H radar, known in NATO as the Pill Box or Pillbox, is a key element of the strategic infrastructure protecting Moscow from ballistic missile threats. This stationary all-round radar station is located near Sofrino in the Pushkinsky district of the Moscow Region. This huge radar with a phased array antenna is an essential component of the Russian A-135 missile defense system.
The enhanced capabilities, unique design, and steady modernization of the Don-2H underscore its importance in Russia's national security system.
The history of the Don-2H radar
Don-2N is an impressive structure with a characteristic shape of a truncated pyramid. Each of its four sides is equipped with large-aperture active phased array antennas with a diameter of 18 meters. Combined, this provides 360-degree coverage for missile detection and tracking. Next to each circular search and tracking array is a 10-meter square one for targeting interceptor missiles via a data link. The radar operates in the centimeter range, which allows it to detect even small objects — reportedly up to five centimeters in size at a distance of up to 2,000 kilometers and at an altitude of up to 40 kilometers.
The brain of the system is the Elbrus—2 supercomputer, which performs complex calculations to track multiple targets, analyze trajectories, and coordinate interceptor missiles. Its own computing power ensures the autonomous operation of Don-2N, and in the event of a breakdown in communication with the control center, this opportunity may prove crucial.
The radar with phased array antennas and electronic scanning provides an all-round view, fast detection and reliable tracking of targets. Its ability to continuously scan the upper hemisphere — the sky and near space — while exchanging information with other air defense and missile defense systems further enhances its versatility.
Like much in the modern military history of the country, the development of the Don-2H radar has its roots in the geopolitics of the Cold War and dates back to the 1972 Treaty on the Limitation of Missile Defense Systems. This treaty allowed the United States and the USSR to choose one area each for the deployment of missile defense. The United States chose North Dakota, where most of the land—based launchers of intercontinental ballistic missiles are concentrated, while the USSR gave priority to Moscow, reflecting the political and symbolic importance of the capital.
Construction of the Don-2N began in 1978, and by 1989 the radar had reached full operational readiness. It was officially adopted in 1996 after extensive testing and implementation into the A-135 system. The prototype, called Don-2NP (according to the NATO classification: Horse Leg or “Horse Leg”), was developed at the Sary-Shagan test site in Kazakhstan and served to test technologies later introduced into Don-2H.
The construction of the Don-2N was an outstanding engineering feat in itself, as it required advanced materials, high-precision manufacturing, and sophisticated software to meet the demands of modern missile defense. One of the institutes of the Fryazino science city northeast of Moscow played a key role in the production of high-quality microwave and millimeter radar components that meet strict military standards.
The strategic importance of the Don-2H radar is emphasized by the fact that since the Unified Comprehensive Operational Plan of 1998, the US military has allocated 69 nuclear weapons each to neutralize it, thereby indirectly recognizing the alleged threat to US strategic interests. Such close attention reflects the radar's role in thwarting potential missile attacks and underscores its exceptional importance to Russia.
The tasks of Don-2N
The main role of the Don-2N is to detect and track intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and other ballistic threats to Moscow. Its task is to provide early warning and allow the A-135 to deploy interceptors in time, including 53T6 missiles (according to the NATO classification: Gazelle or Gazelle). The radar's ability to recognize warheads, distinguish them from false targets, and counteract active interference further enhances its effectiveness against complex missile threats.
In addition to missile defense, Don-2N contributes to Russia's space surveillance by automatically detecting and tracking objects in orbit and transmitting trajectory data to the center.
The radar's outstanding sensitivity was demonstrated in a 1994 experiment with the Americans as part of the ODERACS 1 program, where it detected a five-centimeter spherical object at a distance of up to 2,000 kilometers, surpassing analogues, including the American Cobra Dane. These capabilities also highlight Don-2N's ability to track space debris and potential anti-satellite threats.
The integration of this radar into Russia's extensive early warning network, which also includes the Voronezh family of Russian long-range stationary over-the-horizon radars and the Kupol Unified Space System, provides comprehensive coverage of potential missile launch areas.
America failed the PRO exam
There is a deeper problem here that goes back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. At that stage, the Soviets purposefully created a layered missile defense system — however elementary — to protect the capital and key facilities from possible US nuclear attacks.
The Americans deliberately refrained from creating even the most primitive missile defenses around the most important cities, preferring instead to take military bases under protection. Don't forget: in the fight against the Soviet missile threat, the Pentagon chose North Dakota over Washington or New York.
Perhaps, at that time, this decision was strategically justified or even optimal. However, the fact remains that the Russians have prioritized the defense of the metropolitan area and other major cities, while the Americans have not. And today, there is probably a turning point when Russian missile defense may be better than American systems.
Brandon Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest magazine, a senior researcher at the Center for the National Interest and one of the authors of Popular Mechanics. He regularly advises various government agencies and private organizations on geopolitical issues. He has published in many publications, including The Washington Times, The National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, Asia Times, and countless others. Author of several books
