Lockheed Martin integrates AN/TPQ-53 radar with U.S. southern border defence systems

The AN/TPQ-53 MMR features an open architecture design, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with various sensors and defence systems. This flexibility enables rapid adoption of new capabilities and advanced software updates, ensuring service members can respond swiftly to emerging threats.

Rick Cordaro, Vice President and General Manager of Radar Sensors and Systems at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the importance of industry-government collaboration in enhancing border security. He emphasised that the AN/TPQ-53 MMR has a strong reputation for reliability and will continue to play a crucial role in supporting USNORTHCOM and Customs and Border Protection operations.

The radar system is designed to detect and track a wide range of threats, from airborne to ground-based incursions. Its 360-degree scanning capability allows for rapid identification of hostile activity, including unmanned aerial systems, giving operators a critical advantage in real-time threat response.

Capable of deploying in under five minutes, the AN/TPQ-53 MMR enhances operational agility in high-risk environments. Its ability to provide continuous surveillance ensures military personnel can quickly detect, assess, and neutralise threats before they escalate.

This integration follows successful demonstrations at Northern Strike and Desert Guardian 1.0 exercises. These tests showcased the radar’s ability to adopt software updates efficiently and align with urgent national security priorities.