Lockheed Martin has successfully integrated its AN/TPQ-53 multi-mission radar (MMR) into the command and control systems of the US Joint Task Force-Southern Border. This integration is viewed as a significant enhancement that will bolster Joint Task Force operations by enabling the detection and tracking of both airborne and ground-based threats. This capability supports the broader objectives of US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) in maintaining security along the southern border of the United States.
The AN/TPQ-53 radar is equipped with advanced technology that includes 360-degree scanning capabilities, allowing for comprehensive surveillance of the environment. One of its key attributes is its rapid deployment feature, which enables the radar system to be operational in under five minutes. This quick readiness is crucial for identifying fast-moving threats, such as unmanned aerial systems, thereby empowering military operators to respond swiftly and efficiently to potential dangers.
Moreover, the radar incorporates an open architecture design that facilitates integration with various sensors and systems. This flexibility is further enhanced by the radar’s capacity for rapid upgrades through advanced software capabilities, ensuring that it remains adaptive to emerging threats and evolving mission requirements.
Rick Cordaro, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and General Manager of Radar Sensors and Systems, highlighted the significance of this integration, stating that it emphasizes the effective collaboration between the defense industry, government agencies—such as the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office—and end-users. Cordaro remarked on the importance of addressing complex challenges through this partnership.
The deployment of the AN/TPQ-53 radar is a key component of the United States’ efforts to enhance security along its southern border, emphasizing the themes of sovereignty and territorial integrity. As part of this initiative, specialized military forces are strategically positioned in various areas to monitor and secure the expansive 2,000-mile (3,218-kilometer) border, which stretches from San Diego, California, to McAllen, Texas.
USNORTHCOM, established in October 2002, is responsible for overseeing the Department of Defense’s activities and coordinating defense support to civil authorities. Operating through established Joint Task Forces, USNORTHCOM plays a crucial role in executing military operations. The Joint Task Force-Southern Border is particularly focused on coordinating efforts along the southern border, where around 500 service members from the 10th Mountain Division are stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, the task force’s headquarters. In total, approximately 10,000 service members are currently involved in the southern border mission.
