The Nigerian Army has integrated advanced ground surveillance radars into its operations, deploying systems that enhance its ability to detect and monitor threats in complex terrains.
These radars, identified as either the PGSR-3i Beagle from Hungary’s Pro Patria Electronics or the Israeli Foxtrack developed by Elbit Systems, represent a practical upgrade for forces engaged in counter-insurgency and border security tasks. The PGSR-3i serves as a licensed adaptation of the Foxtrack, combining portability with sophisticated detection features tailored for tactical use.
This deployment came to light during a visit by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, to the 199 Special Forces Battalion in Chabol, Maiduguri, on 23 July 2025. During the inspection, he praised the troops for their persistent work against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East, where such technology aids in identifying militant movements amid dense vegetation and urban clutter.
Designed for stealthy, man-portable employment, the PGSR-3i Beagle weighs approximately 30 kilograms, making it feasible for teams of two to carry in backpacks or mount on vehicles for rapid setup in field conditions. It operates on the frequency-modulated continuous wave principle in the X-band, broadcasting across 32 frequencies with an automatic switch to evade interference or detection. This setup allows the radar to spot and follow low-flying aircraft or ground-based targets, classifying them by size and motion patterns—distinguishing, for example, between pedestrians, armoured personnel, or vehicles. The system can function independently or link into broader networks, controlled either through a local operator panel or a remote command centre. Its software accommodates multiple map formats, facilitating the placement of detected objects on digital overlays for real-time analysis and recording, which proves invaluable for coordinating responses in dynamic environments.
The original Foxtrack, upon which the PGSR-3i is based, emerged as a lightweight solution for military, border patrol, and homeland security applications, emphasising surveillance, intelligence collection, and precise target identification. Tripod-mounted or vehicle-integrated, it monitors designated zones, tracking movements with high fidelity. Detection ranges include six kilometres for standard pedestrians, eight kilometres for armoured soldiers, 15 kilometres for typical vehicles, and up to 24 kilometres for larger ones with a radar cross-section of 50 square metres. Accuracy reaches three metres at a three-kilometre distance, with azimuth precision under 0.3 degrees. Scanning covers sectors from six to 350 degrees or full 360-degree rotation, at rates of seven or 14 degrees per second, handling over 50 simultaneous tracks and displaying up to 1,000 plots. Classification occurs automatically or via audio cues, with data interfaces encompassing RS-485, WiFi, and Ethernet for seamless integration.
Power output varies from 20 milliwatts to 2,000 milliwatts, ensuring low emissions for operator safety and reduced detectability, while drawing a maximum of 50 watts from a 28-volt DC supply. A single battery pack sustains continuous operation for 10 to 12 hours, supporting extended patrols without resupply. Built from robust materials, the radar endures temperatures from -32 to +50 degrees Celsius in use and -40 to +60 degrees in storage, meeting military environmental standards. Its compact dimensions—69 by 49 by 13 centimetres—aid in concealment and mobility, with a mean time between failures exceeding 10,000 hours for dependable service in prolonged deployments.
For the Nigerian Army, these radars address critical needs in monitoring vast, porous borders and insurgent-prone areas, where traditional patrols often fall short against elusive threats. They secure assembly points for troops, protect infrastructure, and provide reconnaissance for special units, detecting intruders before they close in. In the North-East, where groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province exploit remote landscapes for ambushes and infiltrations, such systems offer early warnings that allow pre-emptive actions, potentially saving lives and resources. The army’s adoption aligns with broader efforts to incorporate technology into asymmetric warfare, complementing drones and armoured vehicles in a layered defence approach.
Each unit carries a price tag of around $600 to $700, depending on customisations, making it an accessible option for forces balancing budgets with operational demands. While the exact number fielded remains undisclosed, their presence in units like the 199 Special Forces Battalion suggests targeted deployment to high-threat zones. This integration not only boosts situational awareness but also facilitates coordination with allied forces, as the radars can feed into multi-sensor networks for comprehensive threat pictures.
The Nigerian Army also fields the Thales Ground Observer 12. The Thales Ground Observer 12 incorporates outstanding features for high-performance long and medium-range Ground Surveillance Radars. Thus, the Ku-band, Pulse-Doppler Ground Observer 12 is suitable for a wide range of applications, including a battlefield, border, coast and site surveillance both by military/paramilitary forces or civilian users.
As Nigeria contends with evolving security challenges, from banditry in the North-West to militancy in the Niger Delta, tools like the PGSR-3i and Foxtrack provide a force multiplier, enabling proactive surveillance that deters aggression and informs strategy. Their man-portable nature suits rapid response teams, while vehicle mounting extends utility for convoy protection or base defence. In a region where terrain and weather often hinder visibility, these radars cut through limitations, offering a reliable edge in the ongoing fight for stability.
