Air Defense

P-18ML

Also known as
  • P-18ML Spoon Rest
  • 1RL131 Terek modernization
  • P-18ML radar
  • P-18ML VHF radar
  • P-18ML Spoon Rest modernization

P-18ML is Altimus-Tech's modernized VHF surveillance radar derived from the P-18 / 1RL131 Terek family. The upgrade keeps the system in the long-range two-dimensional surveillance role while adding solid-state processing, electronic frequency agility, automatic tracking, height-finder integration, and documented Ukrainian wartime service.

P-18ML, Modernized long-range VHF surveillance radar, Air Defense
Image source: Altimus-Tech P-18ML Product Page

Role in Conflicts

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
Lithuania / Poland
Built by
Altimus-Tech
Type
Modernized long-range VHF surveillance radar
Service note
Altimus-Tech markets P-18ML as a modernized follow-on to the analogue P-18 / 1RL131 Terek radar.
Designer
Altimus-Tech
Developed from
P-18 / 1RL131 Terek

Specifications

Coordinate type
Two-dimensional azimuth/range radar; altitude can be obtained through interfaced upgraded height-finding radars in a 3D radar complex
Radar band
VHF surveillance radar with manufacturer-listed 140-180 MHz post-upgrade frequency range
Detection range
Manufacturer table lists 300/360 km detection range at target altitude of at least 10,000 m after upgrade
Detection accuracy
Manufacturer table lists 180 m range accuracy and 0.4 degree azimuth accuracy after upgrade
Frequency agility
Electronic frequency agility with 200 kHz discrete steps after upgrade
Tracking
Automatic tracking and acquisition of data from other surveillance radars and height-finders
MTI and clutter rejection
Manufacturer table lists 0-400 km MTI range, clutter suppression greater than 40 dB, and receiver/digital signal processor dynamic range up to 100 dB
Height-finder control
Automatic control of up to two upgraded height-finders
Electronic protection
Electronic frequency shifting, expanded signal-processor dynamic range, digital MTI, and adaptive clutter-map generation
Start-up time
3 minutes after upgrade
Power consumption
6 kW after upgrade
Modernization Architecture

Altimus-Tech describes P-18ML as a deep modernization of the P-18 radar cabin and signal chain rather than a new radar family. The upgrade expands the VHF frequency range, replaces transmitter and receiver electronics with solid-state components, adds electronic frequency agility, and uses digital moving-target indication with adaptive clutter mapping.

2D radar role

P-18ML remains an azimuth-and-range radar; altitude data depends on interfaced height-finding radar equipment.

3D complex option

Altimus-Tech lists P-18ML as one possible 2D surveillance radar in a 3D mobile radar complex with PRV-16-type or PRV-16ML height-finder elements.

Control and recording

The manufacturer describes remote workstation tracking, automatic height-finder control, and automatic air-situation recording with playback and report generation.

Sources: Altimus-Tech P-18ML Product Page; Altimus-Tech 3D Radar Complex.

Media

P-18ML Videos

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Sources

Altimus-Tech P-18ML Product PagePublisher: Altimus-Tech | Note: Official product page supporting P-18ML identity, Altimus-Tech manufacturer attribution, P-18 modernization lineage, image, functions, and published specifications. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Altimus-Tech 3D Radar ComplexPublisher: Altimus-Tech | Note: Official product page supporting P-18ML use as one possible solid-state 2D surveillance radar in a 3D radar complex with PRV-16-type or PRV-16ML height-finder equipment. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Oryx Ukrainian Equipment LossesPublisher: Oryx | Note: Directly supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War use by Ukraine by listing photographed Ukrainian P-18ML long-range VHF surveillance radar losses during Russia's full-scale invasion. | Accessed: 2026-07-13SAHA Expo Altimus-Tech Exhibitor ProfilePublisher: SAHA Expo | Note: Exhibitor profile supporting Altimus-Tech business-area context and listing P-18ML among its air-surveillance radars for air defense. | Accessed: 2026-07-13