AN/TPQ-53 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar System

The AN/TPQ-53 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar System program aims to support the Army Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) Modernization Priority by providing a highly mobile radar set that automatically detects, classifies, tracks, and locates projectiles fired from mortar, artillery, and rocket systems. The program's specific objectives include mitigating close combat radar coverage gaps, enhancing system survivability in a peer/near-peer threat environment, and countering indirect fire while improving survivability against electronic warfare threats. The program also aims to provide increased counterfire radar flexibility to maneuver commanders and support the sense and warn force protection capability. Additionally, the program seeks to integrate with mission command systems and provide data to the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) node.

In FY 2024, the program plans to allocate $54.167 million for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) funds to design and develop a hardware/software Multi Domain Operation (MDO) digitization upgrade kit for Distributed Digital Receiver Exciter (DDREX) Capability Set #1 and Capability Set #2. This upgrade aims to enhance system survivability, electronic protection (EP), bandwidth agility, and an integrated fires capability in a peer/near-peer threat environment. The funding will also support efforts required to counter indirect fire and improve survivability against electronic warfare threats identified in the Validated Online Lifecycle Threat (VOLT). Additionally, the program plans to continue its modernization development efforts and address emerging threats on the battlefield by countering indirect fire and improving survivability against electronic warfare threats identified in the VOLT. These efforts are crucial for addressing complex evolving threats through advanced survivability development.

Overall, the AN/TPQ-53 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar System program is focused on enhancing radar capabilities to support modernization priorities, improve system survivability in challenging environments, and address emerging threats on the battlefield through advanced technology development and integration.