Romania Enhances Defense with Boosted Lockheed Martin Radar Stockpile
Romania Enhances Surveillance Capabilities with Advanced TPS-77 Radars
Romania is set to improve its situational awareness through the acquisition of two state-of-the-art TPS-77 radars as part of a contractual agreement with Lockheed Martin. These next-generation radars will feature cutting-edge Digital Array Row Transceivers (DART), which promise enhanced energy efficiency and superior performance for Lockheed Martin’s radar systems.
The collaboration between Romania and Lockheed Martin began in 1995 and encompasses over twenty ground-based radar systems. This recent agreement underscores Lockheed Martin’s commitment to delivering innovative technologies that align with its clients’ operational missions.
“For more than two decades, Lockheed Martin and Romania have cultivated a robust partnership aimed at advancing Romania’s air surveillance and meteorological radar network,” stated Mark Mekker, Lockheed Martin’s Director of Surveillance Radar. “The insights we gather from our ongoing partnerships with nations like Romania inform the development of system improvements such as DART. Our teams are dedicated to pioneering advanced technologies to fulfill our customers’ requirements.”
The TPS-77 DART incorporates Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, enabling high-power amplifiers to consume significantly less energy, thereby increasing reliability, reducing life-cycle expenses, and extending the radar’s operational lifespan. Lockheed Martin has successfully integrated GaN into its radars for over six years.
Lockheed Martin has manufactured and maintains over 175 surveillance-range radars, all actively monitoring targets at distances of up to 250 miles, 24/7. These radars are designed for unmanned operation and have successfully performed in remote and challenging environments for decades.
No Lockheed Martin FPS-117/TPS-77 radar has ever been retired, with systems continuing to function well past their original 20-year service expectancy, many designed to last over 40 years. This exceptional longevity results from Lockheed Martin’s ongoing investment in cutting-edge technology and its unwavering dedication to customer success.
Production of the TPS-77 radars will occur in Syracuse, New York.
