Lockheed Martin To Supply 3 Multi-Role Radars To Latvia

The Latvian ministry of defense has bought Lockheed Martin’s three TPS-77 Multi-Role Radars (MRR) for use in air surveillance and to complement its radar assets.

"Purchase of "TPS-77" MRRs will mean a huge investment in the strengthening of defense capabilities of National Armed Forces and gives us the chance to act accordingly to modern threats facing all NATO countries," said Minister of Defense of Latvia Raimonds Bergmanis in a statement Monday.

"Early warning and situational awareness is a very important condition in the decision making process for an efficient response," emphasizes Chief of Defence of Latvia, Lieutenant General Raimonds Graube. He also pointed out that surveillance, especially low-level flight surveillance and identification is a vital part of Latvian airspace surveillance capabilities.

"This multi-role radar program builds upon a 15-year partnership of radar development and training between Latvia and Lockheed Martin," said Greg Larioni, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Radar Surveillance Systems.

The TPS-77 MRR is designed for ultra-low power consumption and is the most transportable version of Lockheed Martin's TPS-77 product line. Latvia's variant of this high-performing radar can be truck mounted for operation at unprepared sites or dismounted for use at fixed sites.

The radar's multi-role single scan technology allows operators to select specific roles for the radar such as long range or medium range low-level flight surveillance (including helicopter detection) in specific sectors. As the radar rotates through each 360 degree scan, the system automatically adjusts to the operator selected mission.  Changes can be easily made if the system is moved or mission is changed. Once set, no further operator inputs are required.  

As with current production TPS-77s and other next generation Lockheed Martin radars, the TPS-77 MRR uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in its design.  The GaN technology has already been installed and tested in operational radars. Utilizing GaN, the radars high power amplifiers consume much less power, ultimately increasing reliability, lowering life-cycle costs and extending the useful life of the radar. The Latvia TPS-77 MRRs will be delivered with a complete suite of GaN technology. 

As part of the TPS-77 MRR program, Lockheed Martin will continue to engage with local Latvian industry for procurement and production. These relationships will form the basis for long-term local maintenance and support of the new systems after delivery.