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| Lockheed Martin Supplies 8 Units Of Next Generation TPY-4 Radar System To Norway |
Oslo - The Norwegian Defense Materials Agency (NDMA) has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to supply eight next-generation TPY-4 ground-based air surveillance radars. NDMA also lists the option of adding three of the same radar units in the future.
The TPY-4 radar was purchased to enhance the Norwegian Air Force's (RNoAF) capability in terms of continuous surveillance to protect the country's airspace. The radar also provides advanced early warning and air command and control capabilities to the RNoAF.
In working on the radar for the RNoAF, the main contractor, Lockheed Martin, has partnered with a local Norwegian company, namely Kongsberg, as a sub-contractor. Part of Kongsberg's work included delivery of associated hardware and software, and assembly of the radar prior to installation.
The company said delivery and installation of the first radar at the Gyrihaugen site in Ringerike, Norway, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, while delivery and installation of the entire radar is expected to be completed in 2030.
Regarding AN/TPY-4 or TPY-4 formerly known as TPY-X. It is a ground-based, 3D, AESA, L-band multifunctional long-range radar, and incorporates Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology.
The TPY-4 radar offers early warning, situational awareness, tactical ballistic missile surveillance and air defense in a contested electromagnetic environment. The radar antenna can rotate at 6 revolutions per minute in a 360 degree coverage with a maximum detection range of 555 kilometers while.
While in non-rotating mode it provides 90 degree coverage with a maximum detection range of 1,000 kilometers. The TPY-4 radar can detect and track targets flying at an altitude of 30 kilometers as well as surface targets at -6 degrees in support of land-based maritime surveillance.
Development of the TPY-4 radar began in the early 2010s. The radar will undergo testing and deployment in 2021. First production of the TPY-4 was completed in May 2022 and is planned for launch in 2023.