The article presents the development and field trial results of a fully photonics-based coherent radar demonstrator, known as PHODIR. This system leverages a single pulsed laser to generate and receive radar signals, avoiding the need for radio-frequency up- and downconversions. The architecture uses mode-locked lasers (MLLs) for both signal generation and sampling, achieving high precision and ultrawide bandwidth. The transceiver enables radar systems with unprecedented frequency flexibility, signal quality, and receiver resolution at high carrier frequencies. Key performance metrics include a phase noise curve that is significantly better than that of a state-of-the-art synthesizer, and a spurious-free dynamic range of >50 dB. Field trials demonstrated the system's effectiveness in detecting non-cooperating aeroplanes, with a range resolution of 150 m and velocity resolution of 2 km/h. The PHODIR project has pioneered a fully photonics-based radar system, enabling software-defined radio with performance exceeding that of state-of-the-art radar systems. Future plans include developing dedicated photonic integrated circuits to further enhance the system's capabilities.The article presents the development and field trial results of a fully photonics-based coherent radar demonstrator, known as PHODIR. This system leverages a single pulsed laser to generate and receive radar signals, avoiding the need for radio-frequency up- and downconversions. The architecture uses mode-locked lasers (MLLs) for both signal generation and sampling, achieving high precision and ultrawide bandwidth. The transceiver enables radar systems with unprecedented frequency flexibility, signal quality, and receiver resolution at high carrier frequencies. Key performance metrics include a phase noise curve that is significantly better than that of a state-of-the-art synthesizer, and a spurious-free dynamic range of >50 dB. Field trials demonstrated the system's effectiveness in detecting non-cooperating aeroplanes, with a range resolution of 150 m and velocity resolution of 2 km/h. The PHODIR project has pioneered a fully photonics-based radar system, enabling software-defined radio with performance exceeding that of state-of-the-art radar systems. Future plans include developing dedicated photonic integrated circuits to further enhance the system's capabilities.