Denmark Orders XENTA-M5 Radar Systems for Army to Strengthen Frontline Protection Against Drone Threats

The Danish Ministry of Defence’s Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) has formally signed a strategic contract with Danish radar specialist Weibel Scientific to deliver four XENTA-M5 radar systems, a crucial component of Denmark’s Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capability. The agreement marks a significant step in bolstering the Royal Danish Army’s 1st Brigade against evolving aerial threats, ranging from advanced aircraft and missiles to low, slow, and small (LSS) targets such as drones. 

Strengthening Denmark’s Short-Range Air Defence Posture

Under the terms of the contract, Weibel Scientific will design, develop, and produce four mobile XENTA-M5 radar systems at its headquarters in Allerød, Denmark. The first radar unit is slated for delivery in late 2027, with the remaining units to follow in 2028. Each radar will be mounted on Rheinmetall all-terrain vehicles and integrated into Denmark’s air defence architecture via Terma’s command-and-control (C2) systems. The procurement is funded under Denmark’s Defence Contract 2024–2033, which includes comprehensive system integration and user training. 

“If you want to neutralize drones, you first need to see them,” said Weibel Scientific CEO Peter Røpke, underscoring the importance of advanced detection capabilities. “Our XENTA radar can track both small and large flying objects like drones, aircraft and missiles… This contract is not just an order for us in Weibel; it’s a quality stamp. This shows that our technology is trusted by our national defense.”

Advanced Radar Capabilities and Specifications

The XENTA-M5 is part of Weibel’s XENTA-M series of short-range air defence radars, built on X-band Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Doppler radar technology. It offers 360° coverage with three-dimensional target tracking and advanced signal processing to simultaneously detect, track, and classify a diverse array of aerial threats — from high-speed missiles and aircraft to modern low, slow, and small drones that often evade conventional sensors. 

Key technical features of the XENTA-M5 include:

• X-Band FMCW Doppler Technology: Offers high resolution and continuous target illumination for precise tracking. 

• 360° Azimuth Coverage with 3D Tracking: Enables full situational awareness without blind spots. 

• Advanced Tracking Algorithms: Supports detection of small drones at extended ranges beyond 10 km — including micro-UAVs — as evidenced by similar XENTA family performance. 

• Integration-Ready with C2 Systems: Seamless connection to command, control and communications architectures for real-time air picture sharing. 

These capabilities make the XENTA-M5 an ideal sensor for Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) and Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) roles, providing early warning and robust situational awareness to frontline units and air defence assets. 

Role Within Denmark’s Broader Air Defence Network

The XENTA-M5 radars will form a key detection layer within Denmark’s layered air defence architecture. Mounted on mobile platforms for tactical flexibility, they are expected to complement other short-range systems such as the Rheinmetall Skyranger 30 SHORAD vehicles — selected separately by Denmark for mobile air defence — and medium-to-long-range systems integrated under Denmark’s broader defence agreements. 

Furthermore, independent defence collaborations ensure XENTA radars are interoperable with allied systems. For instance, Thales Group has signed agreements to incorporate Weibel’s short-range radar technology into its own GBAD portfolio, enhancing export potential and interoperability across European defence networks. 

Domestic Capability and Future Outlook

Founded in 1936 and headquartered in Allerød, Weibel Scientific has evolved into a leading designer of advanced Doppler radar systems. The XENTA series — including the XENTA-M5 — reflects the company’s emphasis on counter-UAS and SHORAD solutions tailored to the demands of modern air defence. The company already supplies similar systems to NATO partners and has achieved export success in Norway and other markets.

Denmark’s investment in XENTA-M5 radars underscores a strategic priority: ensuring that ground forces can detect, track, and respond effectively to the increasingly complex aerial threat environment — from drones to cruise missiles. As Peter Røpke affirmed, the contract not only delivers cutting-edge technology to Denmark’s armed forces but also serves as a testament to Danish industry’s role in shaping future defence capabilities.