Lockheed Martin and Anduril join forces to detect and track UAVs in Middle East

Lockheed Martin has successfully integrated its S-band AN/TPQ-53 Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) with Anduril Industries’ Lattice Command and Control (C2) environment to detect and track Uncrewed Air Vehicles (UAVs).

The Q-53 MMR, which has a reported maximum range of around 60km, entered service in 2010 as a replacement for the old TPQ-36 and 37 Firefinder radars and is designed to track projectiles from mortars, artillery and rockets and help pinpoint the source of the fire.

The demonstration of this new capability came during the US Central Command (CENTCOM) EX Desert Guardian, held at Fort Drum, New York State. This is part of a set of exercises aimed at filling key gaps in CENTCOM’s ability to detect and track UAV threats. The exercise saw the integration of up to ten sensors with Lattice, some of them in real time during the exercise itself as a demonstration of ease of integration.

During EX Desert Guardian the Q-53 MMR pushed data to Lattice to help create a common air picture. This integration demonstrated the capability to significantly enhance the overall operational picture, enabling more informed and timely decision-making in a netted environment.

“The successful integration of the Q-53 MMR and Lattice showcases Lockheed Martin’s valued partnership with the US Government and industry partners, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions for our customers,” said David Kenneweg, director of Multi-mission Air Defense Radars at Lockheed Martin. “At Desert Guardian, we were able to collaborate to uncover customer needs as we continue to innovate the technology needed to detect and counter emerging threats to make smarter, faster decisions.”

Lockheed Martin is building on the successes of Desert Guardian and preparing for a second exercise, coordinated by CENTCOM, to take place at a base in the Middle East. The company’s multi-domain expertise will help US forces integrate sensors into a single interface used by operators in the field, it says.