Leidos has been awarded a $32-million contract to develop a new, medium-range air defense radar (MRADR) for the US Marine Corps.
Four prototype systems will be handed over to the service within two years.
According to the company, its Dynetics team will lead the development of the required sensors to enable effective target detection.
Leidos’ Dynetics Group developed the Marine Expeditionary Long Range Persistent Sensor, which provides a persistent, 360-degree picture of the surroundings.
Work for the contract will be performed in Alabama, with system deliveries expected in 2025.
“Our successful R&D process has created a path for this opportunity to become a true program of record,” company official Larry Barisciano said. “We’re excited to begin developing, producing, and deploying these sensors for our nation’s Marines.”
Bolstering Air Defense
The US Marine Corps’ investment in a new radar system is part of a broader effort to support and modernize its air defense capabilities.
The service currently operates the long-range AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR), which provides 360-degree coverage.
In October, Northrop Grumman was awarded a $513-million contract to supply 10 additional G/ATORs to the US Marine Corps.
Additionally, the service uses the lightweight, highly mobile AN/TPQ-46B radar built by ThalesRaytheonSystems.
The radar — another version of the US Army’s AN/TPQ-36(V)10 — offers accurate, rapid, and automatic detection of short- and medium-range enemy weapons to allow friendly forces to return fire.