Argentina Inaugurates New Aerospace Radar Station

The Minister of Defense, Jorge Taiana, inaugurated a new Argentine Primary Radar (RPA) station in the city of Mercedes, Corrientes, alongside Brigadier General Xavier Isaac and representatives from company INVAP.

The radar, part of the National Aerospace Surveillance and Control System (SINVICA), is set to enhance airspace monitoring and bolster the presence of the Armed Forces in the region.

Financed through contributions from the National Defense Fund (FONDEF), the radar station is operated by the Joint Aerospace Command and is the fourth operational radar during the current administration, following installations in Rio Grande, Trelew, and Villaguay.

INVAP's military three-dimensional primary radars operate in the L-band, covering a range of 240 miles (approximately 440 kilometers). These radars play a crucial role in defense, featuring advanced countermeasures against electronic attacks, including small side lobes, infrared signature reduction, agility, frequency diversity, signal management, and power control.

The newly inaugurated radar in Mercedes incorporates improvements in failure prevention, maintenance, operation, and target acquisition and tracking capacity.

Additionally, the primary radar in Tostado, Santa Fe, is scheduled for inauguration in the coming days.

The National Aerospace Surveillance and Control System (SINVICA), established in 2004, aims to monitor and control all movements in Argentina's airspace, contributing to national defense, controlling civil air traffic, and fulfilling international commitments.

In 2021, an addendum to the contract with INVAP was signed for the acquisition of radars, financed by FONDEF. The contract includes the manufacture of six primary radars, on-site infrastructure, towers, and radomes, as well as the adaptation of radar sites. The ongoing infrastructure works across various radar sites demonstrate the nation's commitment to bolstering its aerospace surveillance capabilities.