After long delays related to the development and implementation, the Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) has successfully passed key tests to detect and track a real target — an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The tests took place on June 23 at the Clear Space Force Station in Alaska. During them, the LRDR radar "successfully received, tracked and transmitted target data to the Combat Control and Communications Command and Control Service (C2BMC)," the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said in an official statement.
This event was an important milestone.:
This was the radar's first flight test flight, in which it demonstrated the ability to track a live, representative target simulating an ICBM.
The LRDR radar is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the US missile defense system, especially at long-range approaches to the country's territory. Its main functions are:
- Detection and tracking of ballistic missiles in the early stages of flight
- Accurate classification of targets among false objects (warheads, debris, traps)
- Integration with the C2BMC management system, which ensures coordination between various elements of missile defense
Located in Alaska, this radar plays a key role in ensuring security from the northwest direction - where a potential threat may come from states such as North Korea or, in certain scenarios, the DPRK and others.
The LRDR project started back in 2015 and has repeatedly faced technical difficulties, budget overruns and delays. The developer is Lockheed Martin, which uses a modern active phased array (AESA) in the radar, which allows it to simultaneously track multiple targets over long distances.
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