Arduino Missile Defense Radar System

Abstract

The Arduino Missile Defense Radar System is a prototype designed to simulate missile detection and tracking using radar technology integrated with an Arduino microcontroller. This project aims to demonstrate the fundamental principles ofradar-basedthreatdetection,automatictargettracking,and response mechanisms. The system consists of an ultrasonic or microwave radar sensor, an Arduino board, a servo motor, and an alarm or defenseresponseunit.Theradarsensorcontinuouslyscansfor objects, and when a potential threat is detected, the system calculates its position and trajectory. The servo motor adjusts the sensor’s direction for better tracking, and an alert mechanism (such as a buzzer or LED indicator) is triggered. Additionalenhancements,suchasinterfacingwithadisplay module for real-time visualization and integrating machine learning for target classification, can improve system performance. Thisprojectservesasaneducationaldemonstrationofdefense technology, embedded systems, and automation, making it valuable for students

Introduction

Objective:
To develop a low-cost, real-time radar system using Arduino that simulates missile defense capabilities through object detection, tracking, and threat response. The project is inspired by real-world military radar systems and aims to serve educational and research purposes.

Key Features:

• Sensors: Uses ultrasonic or microwave sensors mounted on a servo motor for 180° scanning.

• Detection Mechanism: Identifies object distance, speed, and angle to assess threats.

• Response System: Triggers buzzer, LEDs, or a USB missile launcher to simulate countermeasures.

• Visualization: Optional display via LCD screen or PC interface for real-time monitoring.

• Controller: Runs on an Arduino Uno, programmed via the Arduino IDE.

System Components:

• Arduino Uno

• HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

• Servo Motor

• USB Missile Launcher (simulated response)

• Breadboard, Jumper Wires, Power Supply

Historical & Technological Context:

• Radar tech evolved from WWII detection systems to AI-integrated phased-array radars.

• Modern trends include integration with AI, IoT, LiDAR, and real-time global tracking.

Problem Statement:

Traditional defense radars are expensive and complex. This project provides an affordable, accessible model for:

1. Accurate real-time object detection

2. Rapid threat response

3. Scalability for AI and IoT integration

Methodology:

1. Design: Build with Arduino, sensors, servo motors, and alert systems.

2. Data Collection: Capture real-time distance and movement data.

3. Analysis: Evaluate accuracy, response time, and reliability.

4. Output: A functional, interactive radar prototype.

System Operation Flow:

1. Initialization → Activate components

2. Scanning → Rotate sensor to detect objects

3. Threat Analysis → Compute position and speed

4. Trigger Response → Alert via buzzer/LED

5. Repeat Loop → Continuous threat monitoring

Performance Evaluation:

• High detection accuracy and fast response

• Minimal false alarms

• Simple, user-friendly interface

• Stable real-time operation

User Experience:

• Easy interaction via display or PC

• Reliable threat tracking

• Ideal for students, hobbyists, and researchers

Future Scope:

• AI/ML Integration for smarter tracking

• IoT Connectivity for remote monitoring

• Use of advanced sensors (LiDAR, thermal, mmWave)

• Autonomous platforms for threat interception

• Applications in border security, drone defense, and smart cities

Conclusion

The Arduino Missile Defense Radar System successfully demonstratesalow-cost,real-timeobjectdetectionandtracking system using ultrasonic/microwave sensors and servo motors. Itprovidesapracticallearningplatformforunderstandingradar technology, automation, and security applications. WithfurtheradvancementslikeAIintegration,IoTconnectivity, and advanced sensors, the system can be enhanced for real- world defense applications. This project highlights the potential of embedded systems in modernsecuritysolutions,makingradar-baseddefensemore accessible, scalable, and efficient.

References

[1] https://hackaday.com/2023/06/13/arduino-powered-missile-system-uses-ultrasound-to-aim/ [2] https://3ciencias.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Art_14.pdf [3] https://www.electrosal.com/product/arduino-based-radar/ [4] https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Linay N. Kolhe, Saee Gonate, Janhavi Kalokhe, Aaditi Sathe, Mr. S. H. Kale. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.