Norway selects US next-generation TPY-4 air surveillance radar

News, US November 18, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

Royal Norwegian Air Force selected U.S.-made TPY-4 next-generation ground-based air surveillance radar to enhance defense and long-range surveillance capability.

Lockheed Martin’s TPY-4 Radar can identify and track smaller threats at longer ranges and has significant commonality with the U.S. Army’s new Sentinel A4 radar, which will replace the Sentinel A3.

Vice president of Radar and Sensor Systems at Lockheed Martin, Chandra Marshall said, “We are grateful to be selected to help protect the safety of Norwegians. The TPY-4 is a continued advancement of our 21^st Century Security vision supporting joint all domain operations for the United States and its allies.”

“Norway joins the U.S. Air Force as our first NATO partners for the TPY-4 radar, and we look forward to offering this radar to solve evolving challenges of international partners,” Marshall added.

The radar can be adapted to new missions via simple software enhancements without any architectural or hardware changes. The multi-mission system of the radar will integrate seamlessly into existing air defense systems and can operate in contested environments.

Major General and Head of Acquisitions at Norwegian Defence Material Agency, Øyvind Kvalvik said that “The threats that air defence radar has to counter are increasing and enhanced operational requirements call for more capable radars, including detection of small targets at longer ranges, enhanced electronic protection measures and target tracking.”

Kvalvik stressed that “The TPY-4 radar will provide the people of Norway with the confidence of 24/7/365 homeland security for decades to come. This replacement initiative is of utmost importance to our nation, and we are excited to add this radar to our defence system.”

According to the Lockheed Martin statement, “Norway’s TPY-4 radars will be integrated into Lockheed Martin’s active production line, making this a low-risk option for the Norwegian Defence Material Agency.”

*^{Lockheed Martin’s next-generation TPY-4 radar. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}*

Norwegian industry has been a crucial partner in developing the TPY-4 radar. Lockheed Martin leveraged an extensive Norwegian supplier base for this radar system. In particular, the relationship with KONGSBERG Defense & Aerospace resulted in the production of the first TPY-4 which included the Platform Electronics SubSystem (PES) built by KONGSBERG, a critical element in the foundation of this next-generation sensor that meets and exceeds current customer requirements for long-range surveillance.

Key Features of TPY-4 Radar:

TPY 4 is designed as a multi-mission system with the capability of tracking current and emerging threats. It can also be integrated into existing air defense systems.

It can detect smaller, harder-to-detect next-generation threats in heavy clutter.

The radar operators can quickly pivot from one mission to another, enabling them to address threats in a contested environment. The radar will operate in extreme climates and environments.

The system is digital at every element with the operation and performance-defined software enabling quick upgrades to combat emerging threats.

The system is available in both fixed and transportable variants and able to be transported via C-130, C-17, truck, rail, or helicopter.