The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China has unveiled the “Regulations on Radar Radio Management (Trial)”—the country’s first normative document dedicated to radar radio management. Set to come into effect on January 1, 2026, these new regulations aim to enhance the management and utilization of radar radio resources, ensure the orderly transmission of radio waves, and foster industrial growth while safeguarding public safety and national security.

Key highlights of the new regulations include:

1. Comprehensive Radar Coverage:
   The regulations account for 9 types of radar across 7 categories under 100 GHz, providing comprehensive coverage of primary radar types in China. This ensures robust management in alignment with both technological advancements and the security of industrial and supply chains.
2. Frequency and Technical Standards:
   The regulations define the frequency utilization range and technical parameters for different radar types, establishing a strong policy foundation for the standardization of radar equipment in research, production, import, sales, and usage.
3. Streamlined Coordination and Approval Process:
   The new rules simplify the radar radio management process, making it easier for users by streamlining the approval procedures and enhancing coordination between different stakeholders.
4. Radar Interference and Space Safety:
   A key focus of the regulations is the coordination of radar interference and the mitigation of electromagnetic environmental issues. The regulations ensure regular inspections of in-use stations and equipment management to promote the safety of radio wave usage and preserve space safety.

The regulations also detail specific frequency ranges for different radar categories, such as aviation, meteorological, water traffic, and land traffic radars, ensuring their alignment with global standards while optimizing their performance in China’s rapidly evolving technological landscape:

Aviation radar frequencies

• Air traffic control secondary radar: 100MHz, airborne air traffic control transponder: 1090MHz
• Air traffic control primary radar: 1250-130MHz and 2700-2950MHz
• Radio altimeter: 4200-4400MHz
• Airport surface surveillance radar: 9100-9500MHz
• Airport runway foreign object detection (FOD equipment): 76-77GHz and 92-94GHz
• Airborne weather radar uses the same frequency band as ground weather radar.

Meteorological radar frequencies

• Wind Profiler Radar: 46-68MHz, 470-494MHz, and1270-1375MHz
• Weather radar: 2700-2950MHz, 530-5600MHz, 9100-9500
• Cloud radar: 34.75-35.5GHz, 93.5-94.8GHz
• Meteorological detection radio stations (stations) using meteorological balloon and radar positioning; 1675-1685MHz.

Water traffic radar frequencies

• Marine radar: 2900-300MHz, 9300-9500MHz
• Vessel traffic management system shore-based radar: 9100-500MHz.

Land traffic radar

• Automobile radar: 76-79GHz, and the relevant requirements shall be implemented in with the “Notice on Issuing the Interim Provisions on Radio Management of Automobile Radar” (No. 181 of the Ministry of Industry and Information [2021]).
• Traffic roadside radar: 92-94GHz.

Hydrological, geological, marine, and other disaster and reduction radars

• Marine Radar: 4438-4488kHz, 5250-5275kHz 9305-9355kHz, 13450-13550kHz, 16100-6200kHz, 24450-24600kHz, 26200-26350kHz, 39.5-40MHz
• Hydrological Radar: 402-403MHz, 9100-50MHz
• Ground-based deformation monitoring radar: 15.7-17.2GHz.

 Micro-target detection radar

• Radar for small target detection (including insect, bird, and UAV detection radars, etc.): 2900-310MHz, 9000-10000MHz, and 15.7-17.2GHz.

Other radars 

• The frequency range for short detection radars and unmanned aerial vehicle-mounted radars is the 24-24.25GHz band, and the relevant requirements shall be implemented in accordance the Announcement No. 52 of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in 2019.

The new framework marks a significant milestone in radar radio management and is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of radar systems across various sectors, from aviation to maritime and meteorology.

As a recognized testing laboratory for radar systems, we are ready to assist our clients with any questions or support related to the new radar radio management framework of China. Please feel free to reach out to us for guidance: mail@cetecomadvanced.com