NATO NSPA implements contract to upgrade Iceland air surveillance radar


According to information published on October 12, 2020, NSPA (NATO Support and Procurement Agency) has successfully implemented a multi-million dollar contract for the upgrade of the Iceland Air Defence System's Long Range Air Surveillance Radars (AN/FPS-117).
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link


Army Recognition Global Defense and Security news
An Australian AN/TPS-77 radar. (Picture source Wikimedia)


The upgrade includes a technology update to the radar signal and data processing groups, extending the system's life span by eliminating obsolescence and improving supportability. In addition, the capability of the radars is enhanced to meet the most current requirements for air surveillance systems in NATO air operations. The upgraded radars meet NATO's Military Requirements for Surface-to-Air Identification.

The close cooperation with Iceland provides improved strategic air surveillance capability to the Alliance.

The NSPA, through its Communications, Air and Missile Defence Programme, provides life cycle management, technical and logistics support services for the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System's (NATINAMDS) Early Warning Sensors. This is the second major upgrade project of this magnitude managed by the Agency upon formal tasking from a NATO member. Interested Nations can benefit from the experience and high-level expertise that NSPA has gained in this domain.

The AN/FPS-117 is L-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) 3-dimensional air search radar that provides airspace surveillance. It consists of primary radar, a secondary radar, and a subsystem for simulation. 

The AN/FPS-117 radar offers instrumented detection at ranges on the order of 200 to 250 nautical miles (370 to 460 km; 230 to 290 mi) and has a wide variety of interference and clutter rejection systems.