Lockheed Martin hands over advanced radar system to Missile Defense Agency

Lockheed Martin hands over advanced radar system to Missile Defense Agency
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 24, 2024

The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) at Clear Space Force Station in Clear, Alaska, has completed its final acceptance stage, known as DD250, and was officially transferred to the Missile Defense Agency. This move comes in anticipation of an Operational Capability Baseline decision and final transition to operational use. Prior to this, the radar system had already begun gathering Space Domain Awareness data for the United States Space Force.

"This milestone represents years of dedication to the MDA's mission to protect our homeland," stated Chandra Marshall, vice president of Radar and Sensor Systems at Lockheed Martin. "LRDR is a cutting edge asset providing the benefits of both low frequency and high frequency radars for an innovative approach to search, track, and discriminate targets."

The LRDR system is capable of simultaneous search and tracking of multiple small objects, including all types of ballistic missiles, over vast distances and under continuous operation. Its ability to discriminate between lethal objects, such as enemy warheads, and non-lethal decoys is vital for conserving the homeland defense interceptor inventory by reducing the number of Ground-Based Interceptors needed for threat engagement.

Operating in S-band frequencies, LRDR features a scalable, open systems architecture which can be adapted and extended to counter evolving threats without hardware modifications. It is fully integrated into the Missile Defense System through the Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications element. Lockheed Martin is enhancing the LRDR's capabilities, particularly in hypersonic defense, to provide decision-makers with actionable information more quickly.

In addition to missile defense, the radar supports Space Domain Awareness by monitoring orbiting satellites, and tracking both active and inactive satellites, spent rocket bodies, and debris.

Lockheed Martin has extensive experience in developing and delivering advanced radar solutions to clients, specializing in target acquisition, early warning, situational awareness, and integrated air and missile defense. These radar systems, known for their high performance and reliability, are designed with significant commonality, are highly mobile, operate in all environments, and are deployed globally.