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Australia contracts Lockheed for tactical air defense radar system upkeep

AN/TPS-77 TADRS
Royal Australian Air Force photo of the AN/TPS-77 TADRS

The Australian government has signed a new five year contract with Lockheed Martin Australia for ongoing sustainment of the tactical air defense radar system (TADRS), which is used by the Royal Australian Air Force for air surveillance operations.

Australian defense industry minister Melissa Price said the AU$50 million contract will sustain the mobile radar system, create five new positions in Williamtown, New South Wales, and contains more than 90 per cent Australian industry content.

“This is a great example of the importance of partnerships between defense and industry with the creation of additional highly skilled positions in what is a vibrant regional defense hub,” minister Price said.

“With more than 90 per cent of the contract dedicated to Australian industry content, this project not only delivers new technology for a cutting edge Australian Defence Force but also represents an enormous opportunity for Australian industry.”

The TADRS is an integral element of Australia’s air power, and is used in air surveillance and air battle management roles. These radars have been deployed throughout Australia in support of international and domestic operations and exercises, including: Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the G20 Australia Summit. The AN/TPS-77 was also deployed to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan from 2007-2009 with the Mobile Control and Reporting Centre for operation SLIPPER.

Lockheed Martin Australia employs a team of 25 systems, hardware and logistics engineers, technicians, program managers, commercial and business staff to work on the TADRS.