What describes the ability of a radar system to distinguish between targets that are very close together in either range or bearing?

The ability of a radar system to distinguish between targets that are very close together in either range or bearing is referred to as target resolution. This is a critical aspect of radar performance because it directly affects how well the radar can detect and identify multiple objects in a defined area without confusion.

Target resolution depends on several factors, including the radar's frequency, pulse width, and antenna design. A radar system with high target resolution can differentiate closely spaced objects, allowing operators to accurately track multiple targets simultaneously. This capability is particularly important in military applications where distinguishing between friendly and enemy assets, or identifying multiple threats, could mean the difference between success and failure in an operation.

Other choices, while related to radar systems in some context, do not specifically define the ability to distinguish closely spaced targets. Operational efficiency could refer to how effectively a radar system operates, but it doesn't pinpoint the resolution aspect. Similarly, signal clarity addresses the quality of the received signals but not their distinctiveness. Precision accuracy generally relates to the precision of a measurement but doesn't encapsulate the concept of distinguishing targets in close proximity. Hence, target resolution is the term that accurately addresses the question posed.