A method of synchronizing a plurality of spatially distributed multi-input multi-output (MIMO) radar systems includes designating one of the plurality of MIMO radar systems that includes a linear frequency modulator as a master MIMO radar system, and designating each of the other plurality of MIMO radar systems as slave MIMO radar systems. Each of the slave MIMO radar systems receives an output of the linear frequency modulator. A synchronization signal is sent from the linear frequency modulator through the modulator splitter to each of the slave MIMO radar systems over respective cables, and a return signal is sent from each of the slave MIMO radar systems to the master MIMO radar system over the respective cables. A time delay is determined between the master MIMO radar system and each of the slave MIMO radar systems based on a frequency difference between the synchronization signal and the respective return signal.