On November 17, 2022 the Royal Norwegian Air Force selected the Lockheed Martin TPY-4 next generation ground-based air surveillance radar to enhance the country’s long-range surveillance capability.
«We are grateful to be selected to help protect the safety of Norwegians. The TPY-4 is a continued advancement of our 21st Century Security vision supporting joint all domain operations for the United States and its allies», said Chandra Marshall, vice president of Radar and Sensor Systems at Lockheed Martin. «Norway joins the U.S. Air Force as our first NATO partners for the TPY-4 radar, and we look forward to offering this radar to solve evolving challenges of international partners».
The radar can be adapted to new missions via simple software enhancements without any architectural or hardware changes. The TPY-4 radar can identify and track smaller threats at longer ranges than ever before. This multi-mission system will integrate seamlessly into existing air defense systems and can operate in contested environments.
«The threats that air defence radar has to counter are increasing and enhanced operational requirements call for more capable radars, including detection of small targets at longer ranges, enhanced electronic protection measures and target tracking. The TPY-4 radar will provide the people of Norway with the confidence of 24/7/365 homeland security for decades to come», stated Øyvind Kvalvik, Major General and Head of Acquisitions at the Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA). «This replacement initiative is of utmost importance to our nation, and we are excited to add this radar to our defence system».
Norway’s TPY-4 radars will be integrated into Lockheed Martin’s active production line, making this a low-risk option for the Norwegian Defence Material Agency. In March, the U.S. Air Force selected the TPY-4 radar system for its Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long Range Radar program.
Norwegian industry has been a crucial partner in the development of the TPY-4 radar. Lockheed Martin leveraged an extensive Norwegian supplier-base for this radar system. In particular, the relationship with KONGSBERG Defense & Aerospace resulted in the production of the first TPY-4 which included the Platform Electronics SubSystem (PES) built by KONGSBERG, a critical element in the foundation of this next generation sensor that meets and exceeds current customer requirements for long-range surveillance.
«Our strong relationship with Lockheed Martin exemplifies the importance of building durable and trusted partnerships to serve both national and international customers. Together we will deliver world-class products within radar technology to the Norwegian Armed Forces. This contract is not only important for us as a strategic partner for the Norwegian Armed Forces but also for our subcontractors in Norway», says Eirik Lie, president of KONGSBERG.
The TPY-4 radar has significant commonality with the U.S. Army’s new Sentinel A4 radar, which will replace the Sentinel A3.
Radars for 21st Century Security
Lockheed Martin continues to invest in advancing digital radar capabilities to meet evolving threats faced by nations worldwide. The TPY-4 radar is part of Lockheed Martin’s ongoing efforts to leverage proven technology for long-range air surveillance radars.
Lockheed Martin’s high-performing, high-reliability, solid-state radar systems specialize in counter target acquisition, early warning, situational awareness, and integrated air and missile defense. It’s why Lockheed Martin’s ground-based radars are the choice of more than 30 nations on six continents.
Radar Features
Radar Type: 3D Element Based Digital Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) with Gallium Nitride (GaN)
- Digital at Every Element
- Software Defined Radar
Frequency: L-Band (1215 to 1400 Mhz)
Rotation Rate: Various and Stop/Stare
Simultaneous Multi Mission Operation
- Air Surveillance
- Low Profile Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Detection
- Ballistic Missile Search and Dedicated Track
- Maritime Surveillance
- Satellite Track
Mode 5 Capable
Transportable via C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, Truck, Rail or Helicopter
Operation in Extreme Environments
Radar Coverage
| Operation Mode | 6 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) | Stop / Stare |
| Azimuth | 360° | +/- 45° |
| Range | 300 NMI, 345 miles/555 km | 540 NMI, 621 miles/1000 km |
| Height | 100 kft, 30.5 km | |
| Search Elevation | -6° to 38° | |
| Track Elevation | -6° to 90° | |
