BAE Systems is singing the praises of its medium-range 3D surveillance radar that can monitor more than 800 objects simultaneously.

The system is called Artisan and was developed for Britain's Type 23 frigates but can be used on other Royal Navy vessels as well. It has now been installed on the frigate HMS Iron Duke as part of a scheduled refit.

"We are playing a key role in helping the fleets of the future evolve to meet the ever-changing demands of the battlespace, creating technology solutions that are quicker, lighter, more resilient and easier to implement than ever before," said Rory Fisher, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime Services.

"We are tremendously excited by the successful installation of Artisan on HMS Iron Duke, which marks a significant milestone in the wider program and we're proud of our continuing partnership with the Royal Navy and the role we are playing in delivering first-class radar performance."

BAE Systems says Artisan can detect an object as small as a tennis ball travelling at three times the speed of sound from more than 15 miles away. It is made out of lightweight carbon glass fiber materials and can be fitted onto a vessel in three weeks.