AN/TPQ-53 Radar Deployed to US Southern Border to Counter Drones and Ground Threats with 360° Surveillance.

According to information published on March 19, 205, American Company Lockheed Martin has successfully integrated its AN/TPQ-53 multi-mission radar (MMR) with the Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB) command and control systems, marking a major advancement in the mission to secure the U.S. southern border. This integration supports U.S. Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM) operational requirements by significantly improving situational awareness and response capabilities against a wide spectrum of aerial and ground-based threats.
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U.S. Army AN/TPQ-53 radar system deployed near the southern border as part of Joint Task Force – Southern Border operations. The advanced multi-mission radar provides 360-degree surveillance, counter-UAS capabilities, and rapid threat detection to support homeland security and border defense efforts. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

The AN/TPQ-53 radar system, also referred to as the Q-53, is a field-proven, solid-state phased array radar that has played a critical role in protecting U.S. Army forces for over a decade. Designed to detect, classify, track, and locate enemy indirect fire such as mortars, rockets, and artillery, the Q-53 offers flexible operational modes including 360-degree and 90-degree coverage. Initially developed to replace the aging AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-37 radars, the Q-53 provides improved mobility, greater reliability, a reduced crew requirement, and lower life-cycle costs—making it a modern and efficient alternative for battlefield and homeland security operations.

At the core of the Q-53’s capabilities is its advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, which not only enhances precision and coverage but also supports a growing range of mission types. The radar has demonstrated the ability to conduct air surveillance alongside counterfire operations, including the detection and tracking of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This makes the Q-53 ideally suited to address the diverse and dynamic security threats at the southern U.S. border, including low-flying drones, small aircraft, and unauthorized ground incursions.

The system’s software-defined architecture enables rapid upgrades and integration of new capabilities. Lockheed Martin’s modular, open-architecture design ensures compatibility with a broad array of sensors and mission systems, providing operators with a unified operational picture. These features allow the radar to be easily adapted to evolving threats and mission requirements. With the ability to deploy in under five minutes and dismantle in just two, the radar adds a highly mobile and responsive sensor layer to JTF-SB’s defense network.

Rick Cordaro, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Radar Sensors and Systems, emphasized the importance of the recent deployment: “The successful integration of the AN/TPQ-53 MMR in the southern border deployment showcases the power of collaboration between industry, government agencies such as the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, and end-users in addressing complex challenges. The radar’s proven performance and reliability have made it a trusted asset, and its open architecture design ensures it will continue to play a vital role in USNORTHCOM’s mission to work closely with Customs and Border Protection to secure the southern border.”

The integration with JTF-SB (Joint Task Force – Southern Border) comes in the wake of successful operational demonstrations during major exercises such as Northern Strike and Desert Guardian 1.0. These exercises highlighted the radar’s ability to receive real-time software updates and rapidly adapt to shifting mission parameters—capabilities that are essential in fast-moving national security environments.

Established in March 2025, JTF-SB is headquartered at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and operates under the command of U.S. Army Major General Scott M. Naumann. The task force was created by USNORTHCOM to unify the Department of Defense’s operations on the southern border. It features an integrated command structure that includes leadership from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Marine Corps, ensuring comprehensive coordination of military and homeland security assets.

The successful integration of the Q-53 radar system into JTF-SB’s command and control infrastructure enhances the Department of Defense’s layered defense posture. It equips border security personnel with advanced tools to identify and respond to a wide range of threats swiftly and effectively. As Lockheed Martin continues to deliver cutting-edge defense solutions, the Q-53 remains a vital component in safeguarding national interests both at home and abroad.