Observation Without Limits (O.W.L.) has announced the launch of the Athena-MDR.
The Drone Verification Radar is a new specialized micro-Doppler X-Band radar system that precisely tracks and accurately verifies the classifications of drones in all lighting conditions at multi-kilometer ranges for a fraction of the cost of other sensors used for secondary drone classification.
The company said that it will make its first deliveries of the new system in October 2026.
Adam Robinett, CEO of O.W.L. commented: “Athena-MDR makes it possible to accurately verify the presence of drones in critical airspace.
“It is a micro-Doppler radar that works as part of an integrated drone detection solution in which OWL’s 3D surveillance radars provide tracking overwatch at long ranges.
“Athena-MDR is directed by the 3D surveillance radar to lock onto the air target and serve as the confirmation sensor.”
Robinett continued: “Unlike other sensors that may be limited by weather, lighting or the presence (or lack) of an RF signal or remote ID, Athena-MDR tracks virtually any drone at long ranges — even small consumer quadcopters are trackable and can be verified beyond 2 km.”
The company added that Athena-MDR incorporates a 4K camera to provide visual tracking of the drone, plus the system is designed to integrate with other more powerful cameras.
The new system also makes it possible to track drones even when they are hovering in place, as its micro-Doppler capabilities enable the detection of drone rotary blades in motion.
According to the company, Athena-MDR features and specifications include:
“Athena-MDR provides technically advanced and cost-effective capabilities for verifying and tracking drones as part of solutions for basic situational awareness as well as end-to-end counter-UAS solutions being used today by critical infrastructure and government organizations,” Robinett concluded.
The new Athena-MDR Drone Verification Radar will be on display in O.W.L.’s booth (#3550) at Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2026, in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center Sept. 14-16.