The multiplication of wind farms helps to partly implement the energy transition. This observation becomes particularly relevant when we see the skyrocketing prices of fossil fuels since the beginning of the war in the Middle East. In addition to the debates on the aesthetics and noise disturbances of wind turbines, another element is impeding their installation in large numbers. The blades of wind turbines disrupt radars, including those of the army.
In rotation, they create what is called Doppler effect, which is the change in frequency of waves as one approaches. This can disrupt radar systems, as reported by BFMTV. Furthermore, their metallic structure reflects electromagnetic waves. This creates a shadow zone, “invisible” to radars. Lastly, wind turbines can also block their line of sight. To address this embarrassing situation in the era of increased global conflicts, several strategies are being adopted in Europe.
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In France, permission from the army is required to install a wind farm up to approximately 70 km from a military radar. Several construction projects have already been blocked for these reasons. The army’s power over wind farm installation was officially formalized by a decree in August 2025. But this does not promote the development of green energies. So the United Kingdom made a different choice. According to our colleagues at The Telegraph, the British army will invest £95 million (approximately 111 million Euros) to modernize its air defense system. New radar technologies are expected to be in place by 2029, according to the British Ministry of Defense and the Department of Energy Security and Carbon Neutrality.
