The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) has exercised its option to purchase three additional TPY-4 radars from Lockheed Martin, bringing the total number of units to 11, according to a press release.
The decision comes after the radar system successfully passed its Critical Design Review (CDR), which confirmed it meets the strict requirements set by the Norwegian defence programme.
The TPY-4 radar, known as “NATO’s eyes in the north”, is designed to enhance Norway’s ability to monitor its airspace and detect a range of threats, including unmanned aerial systems and ballistic missiles.
These radars will play a central role in Norway’s air defence and surveillance network, operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
Chandra Marshall, Vice President of Radar & Sensor Systems at Lockheed Martin, said, “Lockheed Martin’s TPY-4 radars are crucial components of Norway’s defence and are the most suitable choice for supporting all-domain deterrence in the Nordic region. The additional order and the completion of the CDR mark major steps forward, confirming that our radar meets the stringent requirements of NDMA and ensuring the security and sovereignty of Norway.”
A key element in the success of the TPY-4 radar has been the close partnership between Lockheed Martin and Norwegian industry, particularly with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA).
Kongsberg has been heavily involved in producing the Platform Electronics System (PES).
Now that the design review has been completed, attention turns to finalising production and preparing for the first Factory System Test (FST), which is expected to be completed in 2025. The TPY-4 radar is set to provide Norway with advanced capabilities to detect, track, and identify a range of airborne threats, improving its overall situational awareness.
In addition to Norway, the U.S. Air Force has also selected the TPY-4 radar for its Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long Range Radar (3DELRR) programme, where it has already completed successful risk reduction testing.
