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
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
