The US Department of Defense (DoD) has tested its Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) at Clear Space Force Station in Alaska on 23 June 2025.
During the test, designated as Flight Test Other-26a (FTX-26a), the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) launched a target over the Northern Pacific Ocean.
The projectile travelled more than 2,000km before entering the radar range of the LRDR system.
The radar detected, tracked, and reported data about the missile target to the command-and-control battle management and communications (C2BMC) network, statement from Lockheed Martin said.
MDA director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins said: “This was a key test in the development of the LRDR system and its integration into the C2BMC network.
“LRDR will provide USNORTHCOM and the United States Space Force with the ability to precisely track ballistic missile threats as well as other space objects, advancing our ability to deter adversaries and bolster our homeland missile defence.”
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By GlobalDataThe tasks performed by the radar are key for the US $175bn Golden Dome programme, which aimed to deter and defend aerial threats.
This radar technology is capable of identifying missile threats originating from Russia or China, Reuters said in its report.
The radar also demonstrated its capability to track satellites, debris, and orbital threats.
US Northern Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. A.C. Roper said: “This long‑range discrimination radar is designed to defend the homeland by providing [the] unparalleled ability to search, track and discriminate multiple objects simultaneously.”
The Golden Dome, which is anticipated to be operational by January 2029, has encountered political hurdles and uncertainties surrounding its funding due to its hefty price tag, according to the news agency.
In April 2025, the US Army and Lockheed Martin completed the short-range production qualification test launch of the precision strike missile from an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System launcher.
