Defense & Aerospace Daily Podcast [Mar 24, 2026] Echodyne's Eben Frankenberg on Affordable Electronically Scanned Radars

Echodyne leverages metamaterial-based electronically scanned array (MESA) technology to deliver high-performance, affordable radar systems for counter-drone and airspace surveillance applications. By utilizing small, printed circuit elements that manipulate electromagnetic waves, the company achieves precise beam steering at commercial price points, bridging the gap between expensive military-grade systems and low-cost alternatives. The business model focuses on acting as a merchant supplier for defense and commercial integrators, providing essential detection capabilities for critical infrastructure and autonomous systems. As the defense industrial base shifts toward dual-use technologies, Echodyne scales production to meet growing global demand, emphasizing the necessity of rigorous performance validation and software-driven adaptability. This approach addresses the evolving challenges of modern warfare and public safety, where accurate, low-clutter target identification is vital for effective response against the proliferation of small, autonomous aerial threats.