Lockheed Martin receives counterfire radar order
Lockheed Martin is to supply additional AN/TPQ-53 (Q-53) long-range counterfire radars to the US Army under a $206 million contract announced on 26 August.
The company will supply 19 Q-53 systems under this order. Lockheed Martin was awarded the original competitive development contract for the Q-53 radar in 2007. Since then it has supplied 32 initial production systems to the US Army, and a further 33 systems are currently in production under a March 2012 order.
The Q-53, formerly designated as EQ-36, is mounted on a five-ton truck and can be rapidly deployed, automatically levelled and remotely operated with a laptop computer or from a fully equipped climate-controlled command vehicle. The system provides soldiers with enhanced 360-degree protection from indirect fire such as mortars, artillery and rockets.
Lee Flake, program director for counterfire target acquisition radar programs, Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Training, said: ‘The Q-53 radar is helping to save the lives of US forces through its exceptional performance in theatre. Deployed since 2010, we have listened to feedback from our soldiers to ensure the system meets operational demands and is evolving to stay ahead of global threats.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
![Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs]()
Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs
The Leopard is becoming the tank of choice in central and eastern Europe as Croatia joins Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary in ordering the platform. Lithuania and Croatia have also signed for CAESAR howitzers.
-
![Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)]()
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.
