What type of radar is specifically designed for detecting and tracking airborne threats?

Airborne radar is specifically designed to detect and track airborne threats, such as aircraft or missiles. This type of radar operates by emitting electromagnetic waves that reflect off objects in the air, allowing operators to identify their location, speed, and heading. What sets airborne radar apart is its capability to operate in the same medium where the threats exist, providing enhanced tracking and detection capabilities that are vital in military and aviation applications.

In contrast, ground radar is primarily focused on monitoring and controlling air traffic near the ground or detecting threats to ground assets and is not optimized for tracking airborne objects in the same way. Maritime radar, while effective for tracking vessels and monitoring oceanic environments, does not specifically cater to airborne threats. Tracking radar is a more generalized term that can refer to any radar system designed to follow moving objects, but airborne radar is the specific category that is dedicated to aerial detection.

Thus, airborne radar is the most fitting choice for the task of detecting and tracking airborne threats, making it the correct answer in this context.