Lockheed Martin Transitions Long Range Discrimination Radar to Missile Defense Agency.

On April 22, 2024, Lockheed Martin announced the transition of the Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The announcement was made from the Clear Space Force Station in Clear, Alaska, where the LRDR completed the final acceptance of the DD250 and was officially handed over to the MDA in preparation for an Operational Capability Baseline (OCB) decision and final transition to the Warfighter. Before this transition, the system also began collecting Space Domain Awareness data for the United States Space Force.
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The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) is stationed at the Clear Space Force Station in Alaska (Picture source: Missile Defense Agency)

The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) has thus begun its transition to full operational status with the US Space Force. According to an MDA spokesperson, this process is expected to take place over a period of one year and conclude in early 2025.

Chandra Marshall, Vice President of Radar and Sensor Systems at Lockheed Martin, commented on this event, emphasizing its significance for the MDA's mission to protect the national territory. "This milestone represents years of dedication to the MDA's mission to protect our homeland," said Ms. Marshall. "The LRDR is an advanced asset offering the benefits of both low-frequency and high-frequency radars for an innovative approach to target search, tracking, and discrimination."

The LRDR provides the capability to simultaneously search and track multiple small objects, including all classes of ballistic missiles, at very long ranges, under continuous operation. Its discrimination capability will enable the LRDR to identify lethal objects, such as enemy warheads, and differentiate them from non-lethal decoys. The LRDR, in collaboration with other elements of the missile defense system, will preserve the inventory of homeland defense interceptors by maintaining the number of ground-based interceptors required for threat engagement.

The LRDR, highly adaptable, operates in S-band frequencies and features a scalable, open systems architecture designed to be extended to counter evolving threats without changing the hardware design. It is integrated into the missile defense system through the Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications elements. For example, Lockheed Martin is adding a new capability in support of hypersonic defense, which will provide decision-makers with actionable information for faster decision-making.

In addition to missile defense, the radar system supports Space Domain Awareness by monitoring satellites in orbit around the Earth, detecting, tracking, and identifying active or inactive satellites, spent rocket bodies, and debris.

With extensive experience in developing and delivering radar solutions, Lockheed Martin offers high-performing, reliable solid-state radar systems specializing in target acquisition, early warning, situational awareness, and integrated air and missile defense.

This advancement marks a significant step in the deployment of the LRDR, which is intended to enhance the United States' missile defense capability, particularly against long-range missile threats. As the transition process to full operational status continues, MDA and US Space Force officials remain focused on the successful completion of this important defense infrastructure.

Defense News April 2024