New Sentinel A4 electronic warfare system will be able to detect cruise missiles and drones more effectively
The U.S. Department of Defense has approved a program to improve air defense systems with new Sentinel A4 phased array produced by Lockheed Martin, a modernization that is crucial to the country’s future defense capabilities.
According to the approved program, the US Army will receive 19 updated radar systems by 2025. The army’s current radar acquisition target is 240 systems, which would provide air defense systems for at least six battalions, said Major General Frank Lozano.
The Sentinel A4 active electronically scanned array is the next generation radar that will replace the current phase and frequency scanning array in the Sentinel A3 and earlier versions.
The upgraded radar station is capable of detecting cruise missiles, drones, rockets, artillery and mortars, as well as simultaneously detecting and tracking various types of threats.
“Over the last five to seven years, there has been a lot of discussion about cruise missile defense and there has been a lot of momentum to make sure we have a good IBCS system. The Sentinel A4 is a key component of that process and the US Army will be getting a really high quality radar,” Lozano said.
