What is tracking radar primarily used for?

Tracking radar is primarily used for continuously monitoring a specific target's position. This type of radar system functions by emitting radio waves that reflect off moving objects, allowing it to determine their range, speed, and direction with high precision. The ability to track the movement of targets over time makes this radar essential for various applications, including air traffic control, military operations, and maritime navigation.

While guiding aircraft on landing and identifying incoming missiles can involve radar technology, these tasks generally require specific types of systems or functionalities beyond just tracking. Additionally, scanning for surface ships involves broader surveillance capabilities rather than the detailed tracking of individual targets that tracking radar provides. Thus, the primary function of tracking radar is its capability to monitor the position of a designated target continuously, which is crucial in many operational contexts.