AN/TPQ-53 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar System

The AN/TPQ-53 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar System plays a crucial role in the Army's Long Range Precision Fires Modernization Priority. This mobile radar system is designed to detect, classify, track, and locate the origin of projectiles from mortar, artillery, and rocket systems. It addresses radar coverage gaps by offering both a 90-degree search sector and full 360-degree coverage. The system integrates with mission command systems to enhance counterfire radar flexibility for maneuver commanders and provides data to the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control node for force protection capabilities.

In Fiscal Year 2025, efforts will focus on completing software development, integration, and testing for Distributed Digital Receiver Exciter (DDREX) Capability Sets #1 and #2. These initiatives aim to improve system survivability, electronic protection, bandwidth agility, and integrated fires capability in environments with peer or near-peer threats. Additionally, work will continue on DDREX Capability Sets #3 and #4 to enhance hostile weapon location accuracy and survivability against advanced electronic warfare threats identified in recent threat assessments.

The program emphasizes modernization development efforts to counter emerging threats on the battlefield. This includes addressing indirect fire challenges and improving radar survivability against electronic warfare threats as outlined in the Validated Online Lifecycle Threat report. Test and evaluation support activities are planned to ensure the system meets performance expectations through cybersecurity assessments, live fire tests, environmental qualification tests, and interoperability evaluations.

Program management efforts are essential for overseeing engineering, integration, and testing associated with DDREX development. The acquisition strategy involves ongoing development tasks under an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract initiated in FY 2022. These tasks include engineering development, design prototyping, subsystem integration, and survivability software enhancements. Operational testing is scheduled for FY 2026 to support procurement decisions with full material release anticipated in FY 2027.