AN/TPS-59

Quick Facts

Role and Mobility	Long-Range Air Surveillance, Ground-Control Interception; Road-mobile, Air-mobile
Frequency	L-Band
Range	740 km
Air Defense Interceptor Systems	HAWK and Patriot Missile Systems
Targets	Theater Ballistic Missiles and Cruise Missiles
Status/Exports	Operational; Egypt and Bahrain
Producer	Lockheed Martin

Overview

The AN/TPS-59 is a lightweight, air- and road-transportable, solid-state, three-dimensional air defense radar which provides long-range surveillance and ground-control intercept (GCI) capability in a tactically mobile environment.[i] GCI is an air defense tactic whereby one or more radar stations are linked to a command communications center which guides interceptors to targets. The radar primarily exists in a support role at the Marine Corps Communications and Electronics School (MCCES), the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA), and the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB), Barstow.[ii] More notable is the upgraded version, the AN/TPS-59 Version 3. Developed for the United States Marine Corps, the AN/TPS-59(V)3 is designed to detect and track theater ballistic missiles and cruise missiles with a range of up to 740 km and an altitude of 500,000 feet.[iii] The radar can be integrated with multiple weapon systems including HAWK and Patriot air defense systems. It can also be integrated with other sensors to improve launch and impact point prediction, offer extended range capabilities, and demonstrate cooperative engagement.[iv]

Strategic Implications

The AN/TPS-59 and AN/TPS-59(V)3 radars are strategically valuable as it can be rapidly transported by trucks on the ground and helicopters or cargo planes in the air, allowing it to be deployed in whatever area needs it most.[v] By itself, the AN/TPS-59(V)3 radar can detect and track incoming targets, but when paired with HAWK, it becomes the most cost effective theater missile defense system currently in operation for US allies with successful performances against ballistic missiles and air breathing threats.[vi] Its range and 360 degree scanning capabilities provide the deploying country a surveillance volume of 603 million km^3 ensuring exceptional coverage in tactical missile defense. Most importantly, the AN/TPS-59(V)3 radar system is currently the only fielded ground-based sensor that can detect and track long range Air Breathing Targets (ABT) and Tactical Ballistic Missiles (TBM) giving the United States an unmistakable field advantage.[vii] These radars increase alert time for military and civilian personnel and increase the defended footprint.[viii]