Photonic generation of microwave signals has no-table advantages in terms of high frequency (up to millimetre-wave band), broad frequency tunability, minimal transmission loss in optical fibres, and high resistance to electromagnetic interference. Here, we present a photonic-based radar that is powered by electronic-based optical modulation, allowing for increased resolution and doing away with the need for radar signal processing and generation using ultrafast electronics. With a significant reduction in system complexity, this radar lays a crucial technological foundation for the development of next-generation broadband radars, which are crucial for universal sensing applications including autonomous driving, surface mapping, and, meteorological monitoring.