Long-range radar handed over to US Missile Defence Agency
LRDR can provide the ability to simultaneously search and track multiple small objects. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin delivered 10 antenna panels for its Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) to Clear, Alaska in 2020. The system will be used by the Missile Defence Agency (MDA) as part of its layered defence strategy against ballistic missiles.
The US MDA has taken delivery of Lockheed Martin’s LRDR at Clear Space Force Station in Alaska. The radar was delivered after completion of DD250 final acceptance in preparation for an Operational Capability Baseline (OCB) decision and final transition to users.
The system has started Space Domain Awareness data collection for the US Space Force as part of process to transition to operators.
LRDR provides the ability to simultaneously search and track multiple small objects including all classes of ballistic missiles, at very long ranges, under continuous operation.
Its discrimination capability will allow LRDR to identify lethal objects such as enemy warheads and differentiate them from non-lethal decoys.
LRDR, along with other elements of the Missile Defense System, will preserve homeland defence interceptor inventory by conserving the number of ground-based interceptors required for threat engagement.
LRDR operates in S-band frequencies and features a scalable, open-systems architecture designed to be extended to counter evolving threats without changing the hardware design.
It was integrated into the Missile Defense System through the command and control, battle management and communications element. As an example of LRDR’s open systems architecture, Lockheed Martin will add new capability in support of hypersonic defence, which will give users actionable information to support faster decision-making.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe]()
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
-
![US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months]()
US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months
The US Air Force is preparing to select mission-autonomy software, fire a missile from the FQ-42 Vengeance and test both CCA designs alongside crewed fighters at 2026 Emerald Flag.
-
![South American EW demand balances capability against cost]()
South American EW demand balances capability against cost
South American air forces are weighing advanced electronic warfare capabilities against limited budgets as Peru selects Viper Shield and BAE Systems targets smaller airborne platforms.
-
![September crewed air review: established platforms retain their grip on the market]()
September crewed air review: established platforms retain their grip on the market
With many next-generation capabilities still years from operational readiness, several of the month’s largest developments demonstrated that governments remain willing to invest heavily in aircraft with proven capabilities and established support networks.
-
![Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?]()
Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?
The two sixth-generation fighter programmes could battle for engineering talent and production lines before deliveries begin, testing Boeing’s industrial expansion plans.
-
![September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper]()
September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper
The loss of many MQ-9 Reapers during the 2026 Iran War has underscored the risks of sending relatively expensive UAVs into contested airspace. In September, new contenders to replace the Reaper emerged, championing cheaper, modular aircraft designs for mass production and inevitable attrition.
