Breaking News
Lockheed Martin and Anduril Collaborate to Strengthen Drone Detection and Tracking Capabilities in Middle East.
In a recent exercise held at Fort Drum, New York, Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with Anduril Industries, demonstrated an advanced drone detection solution by integrating the Q-53 Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) with Anduril’s Lattice Command and Control (C2) platform. This integration was part of the U.S. Central Command’s (CENTCOM) Desert Guardian exercise, an initiative aimed at enhancing drone threat detection and tracking capabilities in challenging environments.
The Q-53 has proven experience detecting mortars, rockets, and artillery and is responsible for keeping troops protected. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin’s Q-53 MMR, a radar system recognized for its flexibility in air and missile defense missions, was swiftly linked with Anduril’s Lattice C2, a platform designed to consolidate and manage sensor data. This connection, achieved during the Desert Guardian exercise, demonstrated the ability to create a comprehensive real-time aerial picture, significantly enhancing situational awareness for decision-makers. This development highlights the growing importance of command and control solutions that seamlessly integrate various sensor systems to improve operational responses to aerial threats, particularly in regions where rapid detection and response are critical.
David Kenneweg, Director of Multi-Mission Air Defense Radars at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the value of this integration: “The successful collaboration with Anduril through Desert Guardian underscores our commitment to meeting our customers' evolving needs by providing adaptable, technology-driven solutions. The Q-53 and Lattice integration offers operators improved situational awareness, allowing them to make more informed decisions at critical moments.”
Desert Guardian is part of a series of exercises conducted by CENTCOM to identify and fill gaps in air defense, particularly concerning unmanned aerial systems. Data from the Q-53 MMR was efficiently transmitted via Lattice to create a unified air picture, showcasing the capacity of advanced radar systems and command and control platforms to operate in synergy. This integration not only supported immediate operational needs but also demonstrated the scalability of the system, reinforcing its potential applicability in various military scenarios.
Lockheed Martin plans to build on the lessons learned from Desert Guardian by preparing for a follow-up exercise at a Middle Eastern base, coordinated by CENTCOM. This upcoming test will further assess the operational effectiveness of the integrated radar and C2 system in a high-stakes environment. Leveraging its multi-domain expertise, Lockheed Martin aims to enable smoother integration of sensors and command systems within a unified interface, supporting real-time operational capabilities on the ground.
Through these developments, Lockheed Martin and Anduril continue to strengthen their roles as key contributors to the U.S. Department of Defense’s efforts for comprehensive, adaptable, and effective drone defense solutions in the face of rapidly evolving aerial threats.