Over the past two decades, TADRS has delivered more than 150,000 hours of operational service. Lockheed Martin Australia said the system has enabled the Australian Defence Force to detect, track and counter airborne threats in real time across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The sustainment effort in the Hunter region has helped build a regional industrial base of more than 65 highly skilled people. Lockheed Martin Australia said it has worked with more than 170 regional suppliers and formed partnerships with Daronmont Technologies, Varley Group, R&R Murphy, AFL Telecom and Rojone.
The company said these collaborations support continuous hardware and software upgrades, advanced systems integration and technology enhancements. It said the work helps keep the radar dependable, secure and mission-ready.
To align with Australian Defence Force priorities for agile and layered air and missile defenses, Lockheed Martin Australia has redesigned elements of TADRS. The company said the changes reduce the system’s operational footprint, improve safety, increase mobility and support faster deployment.
As part of this evolution, Lockheed Martin Australia delivered five new command-and-control systems to support the ADF’s ground-based battle management during Talisman Sabre 2025. The company also upgraded TADRS with integrated voice communication technology for international deployments.
Lockheed Martin Australia said the achievements were supported by a technology transfer program from Lockheed Martin Corporation. The program brought radar technology, expertise and production know-how into the Australian industrial base, supporting long-term capability and local industry growth.
“We have built a highly responsive and technically proficient team at Williamtown that has consistently adapted to the evolving needs of the ADF,” said Philip Gordon, Director International Strategy & Business Development, Rotary and Mission Systems, Lockheed Martin Australia. “The lessons learned from sustaining the legacy TADRS will be carried forward into the air battle management enterprise, ensuring a seamless transition to future air defence platforms and a stronger, more integrated defence capability for Australia.”
Jeremy King, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, said the milestone reflected long-term cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and industry. “I commend the Royal Australian Air Force and industry on this remarkable milestone. It is a testament to the enduring partnership between the ADF and our industry partners.”
“TADRS has been a mainstay of Australia’s security operations. For 20 years, the joint team has proudly sustained the ‘eyes’ of Australia’s ground-based air defence, working together to deliver the capabilities Australia needs to respond to advancing air and missile threats.”
