Thai Air Force activates TPS-77 long range radar

Lockheed Martin has announced that the TPS-77 long range radar that it delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force has been activated, making it the 34th system of its type to be operational in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Now the sale and activation have been completed Thailand joins Korea, Taiwan and Australia who also have this capability. 

‘When the Royal Thai Air Force activated its new TPS-77 radar recently, it greatly expanded the Thailand’s long-range air surveillance network capability,’ a company statement explained. ‘In particular, the radar helps provide greater air sovereignty, security and safety over much of the Gulf of Thailand.’

Lockheed Martin said that more countries are recognising the need to enhance their air surveillance with modern, cost-effective radar systems. 

Lockheed Martin ground-based air surveillance radars are in operation with some 30 nations over six continents, and 178 of its long-range systems operate around the world at present.

‘Lockheed Martin’s TPS-59, TPS-77 and FPS-117 family of radars are high-performing, reliable, solid state systems specialising in early warning, situational awareness, and ballistic and tactical missile surveillance and defence,’ the company said. 

‘The TPS-77 is the latest configuration of the world’s most successful 3-D solid-state radar design. This transportable radar provides continuous high-quality 3-D surveillance on aircraft targets at ranges out to 250 nautical miles.’

The TPS-77 shares commonality with the FPS-117 radar with regards to maintenance activity and line replaceable units, and many of the systems have performed for long durations unmanned in remote areas and in a wide range of operational environments.

Meanwhile in February Lockheed Martin and Indonesian technology firm PT CMI Teknologi signed a teaming agreement to pursue the National Airspace Surveillance – Republic of Indonesia (NASRI) programme, which will see a new network of radar systems that will improve airspace surveillance, safety and management over the Indonesian Archipelago.