Caracas: A Turkish-made through-the-wall radar system is playing a crucial role in rescue operations in Venezuela, where teams are working tirelessly to locate and save people trapped under debris from last week's devastating earthquakes. This marks the first international deployment of the technology, which has been instrumental in life-saving missions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the STM Behind-the-Wall Radar, known as DAR, was developed by Turkish defense firm STM and is currently being utilized by Natural Disaster Search and Rescue teams under the Turkish Armed Forces' Humanitarian Aid Brigade Command. These teams have been deployed to Venezuela following the twin quakes that struck the region.
Previously, DAR played a significant role in search-and-rescue operations following the February 6, 2023 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaras, Trkiye. These earthquakes resulted in tens of thousands of casualties in both Trkiye and neighboring Syria. During those operations, the radar technology was pivotal in locating over 50 individuals trapped under debris, facilitating their rescue.
The DAR system is actively used by the Turkish Armed Forces, Gendarmerie General Command, and Turkish National Police. It operates using ultra-wideband signals to provide two-dimensional location data on stationary and moving targets in areas where direct visual access is not possible. This technology is versatile, finding applications in military scenarios such as hostage rescue and counterterrorism, as well as civilian efforts like search-and-rescue missions after natural disasters.
The radar is capable of detecting the precise location of a living person under rubble by identifying micro and macro movements, such as chest, hand, and arm movements caused by breathing. Weighing approximately 6.5 kilograms (14.3 pounds), it transmits radio frequency signals to ascertain whether a living person is present behind obstacles. Additionally, it can determine the depth and exact position of the person.
Designed for ease of use, the system can be operated by a single person or placed in a target area using a tripod or similar equipment. It can also be remotely controlled via a tablet computer, with a battery that supports uninterrupted operation for over four hours.