With ISANKE, the Tempest program turns radar into a fully digital weapon, capable of processing 10,000 times more data and striking without firing.
In summary
The ISANKE radar, integrated into the Tempest program’s ICS system, marks a profound break with traditional air combat design. It is no longer a simple sensor responsible for detecting targets, but a central nervous system capable of collecting, processing, and exploiting unprecedented volumes of data in real time. Developed by the G2E consortium, which includes Leonardo and Mitsubishi Electric, ISANKE enables the future Tempest aircraft to conduct electronic, cyber, and information warfare with surgical precision. By aggregating data streams equivalent to the internet traffic of a large city in a single second, the radar becomes a non-kinetic attack tool. This development transforms the very notion of air superiority: dominating the skies is no longer just a matter of speed or stealth, but of mastery of the electromagnetic spectrum and information.
The technological framework of the Tempest program
The Tempest program, led by the United Kingdom with European and Asian partners, aims to design a new-generation air combat system, conceived from the outset for the 2040 horizon. Unlike fifth-generation aircraft, Tempest is not centered on a single platform, but on a distributed digital architecture, in which each sensor is also a potential effector.
In this context, the ISANKE radar is not just one subsystem among many. It is the informational backbone of the aircraft. Its mission goes far beyond the detection of aerial targets. It aggregates data from multiple sources: radar, infrared, electronic warfare, communications, escort drones, and allied networks. The objective is clear: to create informational superiority even before physical engagement.
The central role of the ISANKE & ICS system
ISANKE and ICS fusion as the digital brain
ISANKE is part of the ICS architecture, which stands for Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects. This name sums up the program’s philosophy: see, understand, and act without necessarily firing. The radar becomes a processing node capable of making decisions in real time.
ICS enables instantaneous data fusion, prioritization, and redistribution to other platforms. A drone can receive a target designated by ISANKE. A missile can be guided without continuous radar emissions. An enemy system can be blinded or deceived without direct kinetic impact.
This level of integration requires considerable computing power. Engineers estimate a processing capacity equivalent to several tens of terabits per second, which is on the order of magnitude of internet traffic in a European metropolis. This figure is not a marketing ploy: it reflects the density of information processed simultaneously.
From sensor to weapon
The doctrinal shift is clear. ISANKE radar no longer merely observes. It acts on the electromagnetic environment. Through modulated emissions, it can saturate, disrupt, or deceive enemy sensors. In short, it becomes an onboard electronic warfare weapon.
This capability changes the logic of combat. Whereas a conventional radar reveals its position by transmitting, ISANKE relies on discretion, modulation, and coordination with other transmitters. The adversary no longer knows whether it is being observed, attacked, or manipulated. This ambiguity is a major tactical advantage.
An innovation led by the G2E consortium
Strategic industrial cooperation
The development of ISANKE has been entrusted to the G2E consortium, which brings together major players in defense electronics. Leonardo contributes its expertise in AESA radars, electronic warfare, and sensor fusion. Mitsubishi Electric contributes its skills in microelectronics, signal processing, and critical system reliability.
This cooperation is significant. It reflects a desire to pool rare expertise in the face of increasingly complex systems. The ISANKE radar is based on thousands of transceiver modules capable of operating over wide frequency bands with extreme precision.
The challenge of massive data processing
Processing 10,000 times more data than a previous-generation radar is not just a matter of adding processors. It requires rethinking the software architecture, thermal management, and resilience to cyberattacks. Each piece of data collected must be validated, correlated, and exploited in a matter of milliseconds.
The decision was made to rely on embedded artificial intelligence algorithms. These algorithms filter out noise, identify relevant signatures, and suggest options for action to the pilot or autonomous system. The gain is not only quantitative. It is qualitative, because the machine helps make decisions in a saturated environment.
Radar as a tool for cyber and electromagnetic warfare
Non-kinetic attack capability
ISANKE paves the way for precision cyber-electromagnetic attacks. By analyzing enemy emissions, the system can identify protocols, rhythms, or flaws. It then becomes possible to disrupt a network, cause synchronization errors, or degrade the quality of an enemy sensor.
These actions are reversible and discreet. They do not cause immediate physical destruction, but can neutralize a system during a critical phase. In a high-intensity conflict, this advantage is decisive.
Spectrum dominance as the new air superiority
The concept of air superiority is evolving. It is no longer just a matter of controlling physical space, but of dominating the electromagnetic spectrum. An aircraft capable of seeing without being seen, communicating without being intercepted, and disrupting without being detected imposes its will.
ISANKE is fully in line with this logic. It allows Tempest to become a conductor, coordinating drones, missiles, and allied aircraft. The platform is no longer isolated. It is integrated into a dynamic network, where information is the primary weapon.
Tactical implications for the pilot and the mission
A transformed cognitive load
One of the major challenges is the human-machine relationship. With such a massive flow of data, there is a risk of overwhelming the pilot. ISANKE and ICS are designed to do the opposite: reduce the cognitive load by presenting synthetic options.
The pilot does not receive raw data, but prioritized recommendations. He retains the final decision, but relies on instant analysis that humans alone could not produce. This approach changes the training of crews, who must understand the system as well as pilot it.
Increased operational flexibility
Thanks to ISANKE, Tempest can adapt its role during a mission. It can switch from surveillance to electronic attack to munitions guidance without changing configuration. This versatility is essential in conflicts where the situation can change in a matter of minutes.
The ability to strike without firing also offers a political advantage. Neutralizing a system without visible destruction limits escalation and complicates the enemy’s response. It is a discreet power, but a formidable one.
Limitations and challenges to overcome
As ambitious as it is, ISANKE is not without its challenges. Dependence on software and AI raises questions of reliability and security. A bug or intrusion could have major consequences. Cyber protection of the system is therefore a key issue.
Thermal management is another challenge. Processing such large volumes of data generates considerable heat.
The solutions being considered rely on advanced materials and innovative cooling architectures, but their effectiveness under operational conditions will need to be demonstrated.
Finally, interoperability with allies remains a sensitive issue. Sharing data at this level of sophistication requires common standards and strong political trust. ISANKE is also a tool for technological sovereignty.
What ISANKE reveals about the air warfare of tomorrow
The ISANKE radar shows that the next generation of combat aircraft will not be based solely on stealth or speed. It will be based on information mastery, the ability to influence the adversary without directly confronting them and to impose a pace that they cannot keep up with.
Through ISANKE, Tempest is sketching out a future for aviation in which firing is no longer the central act. The decisive act becomes disruption, disorganization, and control of the information field. This evolution raises a major strategic question: in a world where neutralization is possible without destruction, deterrence changes in nature. Superiority is no longer visible. It is felt, too late.
Sources
Ministry of Defense UK
Leonardo institutional communications
Mitsubishi Electric Defense Systems
UK Combat Air Strategy
G2E industry reports
RUSI and IISS analyses
Technical publications on ICS and electronic warfare
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