Army purchases more counter-fire radars

Lockheed Martin will supply an additional 33 Q-53 radars under $206 million contract.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $206 million contract to supply additional counter-fire radars.

The AN/TPQ-53 is a long-range radar that provides soldiers with enhanced 360-degree warning of indirect fire.

The radar is mounted on a five-ton truck and can be deployed, leveled and remotely operated by both portable laptops and command vehicles.

The Army initially acquired 32 initial production systems and will purchases an additional 33 systems under the Aug. 26 contract award. It began deploying Q-53 systems to combat in Iraq and Afghanistan in fall 2010.