Which element is a limitation of radar technology in anti-submarine warfare?

In anti-submarine warfare (ASW), radar technology presents several limitations, one of which is the difficulty in detecting small surface objects. Radar systems are generally optimized for larger targets, such as ships and aircraft, which means that smaller objects, like submarines or their periscopes when they are just below the surface, may not produce a strong enough radar return for reliable detection. This limitation impacts the effectiveness of radar in accurately identifying and tracking submarines, which can be crucial in ASW operations where stealth and subtlety are key attributes of submarines.

While other limitations of radar, such as high operating costs and vulnerability to interference, are relevant, they do not specifically highlight the challenge radar faces in detecting smaller targets in the context of ASW. The limited range in favorable weather pertains more to environmental conditions rather than the specific issue of target size that affects detection capabilities in ASW. Therefore, the inability to detect small surface objects is the most pertinent limitation when considering radar's role in anti-submarine efforts.