XENTA

The XENTA is a ground-based X-band Doppler radar system developed by Weibel Scientific, a Danish manufacturer based in Allerød. Introduced in 2019, the system is designed for short-range air defense (SHORAD) and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) operations. Its primary function is the detection, tracking, and automated classification of low, slow, and small aerial objects, including micro-drones, short-range missiles, and helicopters. The radar provides 360-degree surveillance capabilities, allowing it to monitor perimeters and critical infrastructure against airborne threats.

Technically, the XENTA utilizes X-band Doppler radar technology to distinguish between various aerial targets. The system is engineered to classify micro-UAS and other small drones, providing precise tracking data that can be integrated into broader command and control networks. This integration allows the radar to feed tracking information to control centers, frequency jammers, and electro-optical systems for coordinated neutralization. The hardware is versatile in its deployment; it can be mounted on fixed ground installations for static perimeter protection, integrated into containerized solutions for rapid mobility, or installed on small land-based vehicles such as pickup trucks to facilitate quick relocation between sites.

Weibel Scientific has positioned the XENTA as a key component in NATO-aligned defense strategies, aiming to protect against current and future airborne threats. The system’s market presence was significantly bolstered in May 2025, when Weibel signed its largest order to date. This contract, valued at more than DKK 500 million, was placed by Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The deal solidified Weibel’s position in the global surveillance radar market and supported the company’s strategic goal of reaching a DKK 2.5 billion turnover by 2030. Peter Røpke, CEO of Weibel Scientific, described the order as proof of the company’s growing dominance in the sector, noting that the strategic partnership with Kongsberg complemented their product solutions effectively.

While the XENTA is marketed for border protection and critical infrastructure surveillance, its operational history remains limited to commercial and pre-combat deployment phases. The manufacturer claims the radar is effective in monitoring drone activity across borders and perimeters, but there is no public record of the system being tested in active combat zones. The system’s development was driven by the need for NATO countries to have robust detection capabilities, yet its actual combat experience is currently unverified. The XENTA competes in a crowded field of counter-drone radars, distinguishing itself through its specific focus on automated classification and its modular deployment options ranging from fixed sites to mobile vehicle mounts.