In Romania during tests that took place in April at Capu Midia training ground, where Eastern Phoenix 2026 (EAPH26) counter-unmanned aerial systems exercises also took place under auspices of Romania's Ministry of Defense and NATO Transformation Command, they demonstrated the capability of AN/TPQ-53 counter-battery radar station, which in Romanian army is used in pair with HIMARS, to track unmanned aerial vehicles.
Defense Romania reports this, citing a press release received from Lockheed Martin, which emphasized that AN/TPQ-53 radar during testing successfully detected, tracked, as well as transmitted data about the drone. Details about what UAVs these were aren't reported, but in general context we're talking about tracking drones like Shahed-type.
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Additionally, it's noted that AN/TPQ-53 can also exchange data with Romanian air defense system through NATO command and control (C2) interface. There's thus a possibility of integrating radar with non-kinetic and kinetic counter-drone means.
As of today, Romanian military has six AN/TPQ-53 radars in armament, which are primarily designed for detecting location of enemy firing positions of mortars, guns, howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems for counter-battery combat.
However, modern war realities make their adjustments. During exercises in Romania, AN/TPQ-53's ability to detect drones was actually only confirmed, because Lockheed Martin reported such capability back in fall 2022, when this radar was successfully integrated with FAAD C2 air defense command and control system and provided target information for Coyote Block 2 anti-aircraft drones.
Then Lockheed Martin Army Radar Programs Director David Kenneveg emphasized that AN/TPQ-53 radar provides integration capabilities with broader weapons spectrum.
At the same time, Romania emphasizes that their AN/TPQ-53s' ability to detect drones should close some existing gaps in drone tracking and detection.
Defense Express previously reported that Ukraine itself will be able to service and repair TRML-4D radars, because its manufacturer is creating a local innovation hub.
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