Artificially introduced persistent scatterers (PS) are often desirable, and sometimes even crucial, when monitoring deformation using InSAR especially in non-urbanised areas. The use of active radar transponders as viable 'artificial PS' is demonstrated via two field experiments: a validation test in a controlled calibration environment, and their operational use for monitoring landslides. In the latter case, the added value of having collocated InSAR-GNSS measurements is also presented.