Lockheed Martin set to deliver Sentinel A4 radar to US Army in December.

According to C4ISRNET on November 9, 2023, Lockheed Martin is in the process of delivering a batch of Sentinel A4 radars to the US Army, with expectations for completion by December 2023, in line with the Army's plans for preliminary assessments in fiscal 2025. The Sentinel A4, viewed as pivotal for the Army's future defense strategy, is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) for simultaneous detection and classification of various threats, including cruise missiles and drones.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Lockheed Martin Sentinel A4 is positioned as a replacement for the existing Sentinel AN/MPQ-64 radar. (Picture source: US DoD)

David Kenneweg, Lockheed's program director for multi-mission air defense radars, highlighted that the delivered units are user-operational evaluation systems, with delivery slated to commence by the end of November or early December. The subsequent phase involves an initial operational test and evaluation in the first half of fiscal 2025 to assess effectiveness and identify potential flaws, influencing decisions regarding full-scale production.

The Sentinel A4, designed with growth capability, can adapt to evolving threats. Its versatility enables integration into the Army's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), a key component in the Pentagon's Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative. The IBCS aims to connect forces and databases across various domains for a comprehensive military operations approach.

Set to replace the aging Sentinel A3 manufactured by RTX, the Sentinel A4's integration into the IBCS aligns with the broader objectives of the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative, envisioning an integrated system for enhanced decision-making and coordination across different military domains to counter technologically advanced adversaries.

Chandra Marshall, Lockheed's vice president for radar and sensor systems, emphasized the system's capability to interface with any combat system, forming the foundation of its design for providing critical information without laudatory terms, and contributing to decision-making from a firepower perspective.

The Lockheed Martin Sentinel A4, positioned as a replacement for the existing Sentinel AN/MPQ-64 radars, features a modern and flexible architecture designed to enhance detection and performance against various threats. Capabilities include the detection of Fixed Wing (FW), Rotary Wing (RW), Cruise Missiles (CM), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (RAM) threats, with the ability to calculate the RAM Point of Origin and Point of Impact.

The radar system is characterized by a soldier-centric design, tailored for operation by a crew of two soldiers, prioritizing improved Electronic Protection and Combat Identification to reduce engagement timelines. It provides 360° hemispherical coverage in challenging environments and utilizes mature, low-risk technology, including Gallium Nitride (GaN) transmitter technology, distributed architecture concepts, and advanced signal processing techniques. The Sentinel A4 is also designed to address the US Army's radar needs for the next 40 years.