Saudi Arabia looking for Q-53 counter-fire radars
Saudi Arabia has a requirement for export versions of the AN/TPQ-53 (Q-53) counter-fire target acquisition radar, according to a US Army announcement released via the US government’s System for Award Management website on 26 April.
The announcement was released to obtain information from
companies about their ability to produce, test, deliver, field, and support 14
radars with the Saudi designation SAU/TPQ-53. It said this designation refers
to a configuration that satisfies United States exportability and Saudi
customer requirements, which were not released with the announcement.
The initial contract will last for 56 months, including 24
months of support for fielded systems, with options for further support
contracts over the following three years.
The announcement noted that Lockheed Martin currently has
the Q-53 in full-rate production for the US Army.
The system is a vehicle-mounted radar that automatically
detects, classifies, and tracks mortar, artillery, and rocket projectiles to
determine where they will land and locate their points of origin so they can be
accurately counter-attacked.
The latest version uses gallium nitride technology that
makes the radar more powerful and reliable. This additional power can be used
to extend its range and detect unmanned aircraft while simultaneously
performing its original counter-fire role, according to Lockheed Martin.
The US government approved the sale of 26 AN/TPQ-53(V)
radars to Saudi Arabia at an estimated cost of USD662 million in June 2017.
Comments
Post a Comment