The Republic of Latvia has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for the delivery of three TPS-77 multi-role radars (MRR), expanding the country’s radar assets to strengthen air surveillance.
The TPS-77 MRR is claimed to be the most transportable version of Lockheed’s successful TPS-77 product line.
Signing the contract, Latvia Defence Minister Raimonds Bergmanis said: "Purchase of ‘TPS-77’ MRRs will mean a huge investment in the strengthening of defence capabilities of National Armed Forces and gives us the chance to act accordingly to modern threats facing all Nato countries."
Designed for ultra-low power consumption, the radar’s multi-role single scan technology offers the operators with an option to select specific roles for the radar, including long-range or medium-range low-level flight surveillance.
The system will be able to automatically adjust to the operator selected mission as it rotates through each 360 degree scan. It also makes changes easier, for example if the system is moved or the mission is changed.
Using Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, the advanced radar consumes much less power, increases reliability, lowers life-cycle costs and extends the radar’s useful life.
The radar intended for Latvia can be truck mounted for operation at unprepared sites or dismounted for use at fixed sites, the company stated.
According to Latvia Defence Chief lieutenant general Raimonds Graube, the surveillance, especially low-level flight surveillance and identification is a vital part of Latvian airspace surveillance capabilities.
Graube said: "Early warning and situational awareness is a very important condition in the decision making process for an efficient response."
For this project, Lockheed Martin will engage with local Latvian industry for procurement and production.
Currently, there are three Lockheed Martin TPS-77 radars in Latvia, which are located in Calas, Lielvarde and Audrini.
Image: The TPS-77 multi-role radar mounted on a truck. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin.
