Lockheed Martin integrates AN/TPQ-53 radar
With US Northcom’s southern border mission
Lockheed Martin has integrated its AN/TPQ-53 multi-mission radar (MMR) with the Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB) command and control systems, marking a significant milestone in supporting US Northern Command’s (US Northcom) mission to secure the southern border of the United States.
The integration was carried out in an operational environment, demonstrating the system’s versatility and readiness to support national security efforts.
The AN/TPQ-53 MMR is renowned for its open architecture design, which enables seamless integration with a wide range of sensors and systems, providing a comprehensive and unified operational picture.
This flexibility ensures that the system can quickly incorporate new capabilities and cutting-edge software updates, enabling military personnel to stay ahead of emerging threats and respond with precision and effectiveness.
Rick Cordaro, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of Radar Sensors and Systems, said: “The integration of the AN/TPQ-53 MMR in the southern border deployment showcases the power of collaboration between industry, [US] government agencies such as the [US] Department of Defence’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, and end-users in addressing complex challenges.
“The AN/TPQ-53 MMR’s proven performance and reliability have earned it a reputation as a trusted asset, and its open architecture design ensures it will remain a vital component of US Northcom’s mission to actively work with [US] Customs and Border Protection to secure the southern border.”
US Northcom’s southern border mission presents numerous challenges, as it requires the capability to detect and track various threats, ranging from airborne to ground-based.
The AN/TPQ-53 MMR has been designed to address this need, offering agile and precise 360-degree scanning. The system can be deployed in under five minutes, quickly detecting threats, such as unmanned aerial systems, and enabling quick responses to emerging risks.
The system’s ability to deliver actionable intelligence in real-time is crucial in detecting and countering evolving threats. The AN/TPQ-53 MMR’s open architecture ensures it can be updated with the latest software advancements, enhancing its capabilities as new technologies and challenges emerge. This flexibility also ensures the system is adaptable to various mission requirements, from national security to disaster response.
The integration of the AN/TPQ-53 MMR into the JTF-SB operations follows recent successful demonstrations, including Northern Strike and Desert Guardian 1.0. These demonstrations highlighted the radar’s ability to rapidly adopt software updates and adapt to urgent national security priorities, underscoring the system’s capacity to meet critical defence needs and support fast-moving, high-stakes operations.
The AN/TPQ-53’s deployment in support of US Northcom’s southern border mission underscores the increasing importance of flexible, responsive technologies in securing national borders and addressing emerging threats.
As border security challenges evolve, Lockheed Martin’s radar technology ensures that the US military and its partners have the necessary tools to secure and protect the nation.
Image: The AN/TPQ-53 multi-mission radar is renowned for its open architecture design. Credit: Lockheed Martin
