Northrop Grumman to begin G/ATOR LRIP for USMC
Northrop Grumman will begin low-rate initial production (LRIP) of AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) systems under a $207 million contract from the US Marine Corps, announced on 28 October.
G/ATOR is a ground-based multi-mission active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designed for air surveillance, air defence, ground weapon locating and air traffic control capabilities.
Jeffrey Palombo, vice president and general manager, Land and Self Protection Systems Division, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, said: ‘G/ATOR will fundamentally change how the marines deploy and fight. Evidenced by the mission capabilities proven during operational testing, the marines will have an unprecedented degree of protection and situational awareness.’
This LRIP contract has been awarded following extensive testing, operational assessment and a production readiness review. The system reached a successful Milestone C in January as part of the formal US Department of Defense acquisition process, which resulted in the recommendation to enter LRIP.
Northrop Grumman will deliver the systems in 2016-17, with additional LRIP contracts anticipated, followed by multiyear, full-rate production.
Additional funding will also be placed on contract to incorporate new software-based capabilities for this multi-mission radar system. G/ATOR's total program value could exceed $2 billion.
More from Land Warfare
-
![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.
-
![Lockheed Martin to look further afield for GMARS rocket system opportunities]()
Lockheed Martin to look further afield for GMARS rocket system opportunities
The HX truck is already in use in many NATO and allied countries around the world as a logistics vehicle and carrier for high-value systems, including missile firing weapons, so its use for the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System makes logistical sense.
-
![Lithuanian 1st Division to achieve initial operating capability in 2026]()
Lithuanian 1st Division to achieve initial operating capability in 2026
Lithuania is one of the countries stepping up its defences in the face of the war in Ukraine with a particular focus on its neighbour and Russian ally Belarus, which has been making incursions into Lithuania’s airspace with balloons and drones.
-
![Beyond Survivability: How Active Protection Systems Are Empowering Commanders (Podcast)]()
Beyond Survivability: How Active Protection Systems Are Empowering Commanders (Podcast)
As threats diversify and intensify, APS are proving essential not just for vehicle protection but also for enhancing operational freedom, effectiveness and mission success in contested environments.
-
![Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion]()
Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion
As the British Army seeks to modernise and consolidate its diverse vehicle fleet, yet another change in direction is underway.
