Abstract: Software defined radar technology is an open system architecture technology. Based on radar operation environment, the functions of radar system can be easily defined, extended, and reconfigured to adapt to the requirements. This paper analyses the requirements, domestic and international research status, the concept and system architecture, primary technologies and development ideas of software defined radar. With research on software defined radar technology, abilities for quickly reacting to new military requirements, shortening research period, improving maintenance and upgrading and updating can be realized.