An ISAC-Enabled IFF System Using AESA and FMCW Radar for Enhanced Target Identification

Abstract

Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) systems are emerging as a cornerstone for next-generation wireless networks by seamlessly combining radar sensing and communication functionalities. This paper presents a deployment oriented comparative analysis of two key radar technologies Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar within ISAC enabled Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) frameworks for enhanced target identification. AESA radar exhibits superior long-range detection, narrow beamwidth, and high angular resolution, enabling precise angle-of-arrival estimation and robust target tracking critical for defense and advanced automotive applications. Conversely, FMCW radar provides cost-effective, high-resolution short-range sensing with broader beamwidth, making it ideal for collision avoidance and indoor localization. The integrated ISAC-IFF system leverages the complementary strengths of AESA and FMCW radars to improve situational awareness by accurately classifying targets as friend or foe based on their echo signatures. Simulation results demonstrate AESA’s dominance in long range and velocity estimation, while FMCW excels in close range target resolution. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing radar selection and integration in ISAC systems, advancing the development of adaptive, reliable, and precise target identification frameworks for next-generation wireless and security technologies.