AN/TPS 59 Radar System

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Category: Radar and Jamming Systems
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Detection Range 740 km
Frequency Band L Band
Antenna Type / Technology Phased Array
Target Tracking Capacity Hundreds of targets

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	AN/TPS 59
Manufacturer	Hughes Aircraft / Lockheed Martin
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Long range air surveillance & missile defense radar
Operational Domain	Land based
Status	Active service

2. Technical Specifications

Frequency Band	L Band
Antenna Type	Phased array
Antenna Aperture / Size	Large fixed array
Power Output	Classified
Detection Range	Up to 740 km
Tracking Range	Long range
Target Tracking Capacity	Hundreds
Elevation Coverage	Low to exo-atmospheric
Azimuth Coverage	360 degrees
Beam Steering	Electronic
Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)	Classified
Resolution	High
Update Rate	Near real time
Clutter Rejection / ECCM	Advanced ECCM

3. Functional Capabilities

Primary Functions	Air surveillance, ballistic missile warning
Target Types	Aircraft, UAVs, tactical ballistic missiles
Integration / Networking	Air and missile defense networks
IFF Capability	Integrated
Data Link / Networking	Secure military links
Weather & Terrain Resistance	High
Mobility / Mounting	Transportable ground system

4. Physical & Operational Characteristics

Dimensions	Large fixed structure
Weight	Heavy
Power Requirement	External generators
Cooling System	Environmental control units
Operating Temperature Range	Military standard
Deployment Platform	Ground based
Crew Requirement	Multi-person crew

5. Software & Processing

Signal Processor Type	Digital
Processing Speed	High
AI / Automation Features	Limited automation
Data Output / Interface	Tactical data formats
Software Upgradeability	Yes

6. Operational History

Year Introduced	1980s
Users / Operators	United States, Bahrain, allied nations
Notable Deployments	Bahrain missile defense, Middle East operations
Successor / Predecessor	Predecessor to modern AESA systems

7. Export / Compliance Data

Export Availability	Limited FMS only
ITAR / MTCR Status	ITAR controlled
Cost Estimate	Tens of millions USD

PROS

Extremely long detection and tracking range
Tracks ballistic missiles and aircraft simultaneously
360-degree coverage with wide elevation
Combat proven with U.S. and allied forces
Integrates with air and missile defense networks

CONS

Large physical footprint
High operating and maintenance cost
Limited mobility compared to newer systems
Older architecture versus modern AESA radars
Requires trained crew and support assets

AN/TPS 59 Long Range Air Surveillance Radar

The AN/TPS 59 radar is a long range, land-based air surveillance and ballistic missile defense system developed to provide early warning of aircraft and missile threats. Its 360-degree coverage and high-altitude detection make it a key asset for theater air defense and ballistic missile tracking missions. The system is operational with the U.S. Marine Corps and allied forces, and has been deployed internationally for expeditionary defense.

Manufacturer

Originally developed by Hughes Aircraft Company and now produced by Lockheed Martin, the AN/TPS 59 has evolved through multiple upgrades to support modern air and missile defense missions. Lockheed Martin also provides training, maintenance, and integration support for international users.

Speed and Range

The radar tracks high-speed targets, including tactical ballistic missiles, at ranges exceeding 740 kilometers. It can monitor low-flying aircraft, UAVs, and high-altitude ballistic trajectories simultaneously. Its electronic beam steering and wide elevation coverage enable near real-time detection and cueing of defensive systems.

Cost / Price

Exact pricing is classified, but open source estimates place the system in the tens of millions of U.S. dollars, depending on configuration, export requirements, and support packages.

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Operational Role

AN/TPS 59 supports air surveillance, ballistic missile warning, and integration with air defense networks such as Patriot and Aegis. In recent years, Lockheed Martin delivered the AN/TPS‑59(V)3B radar to Bahrain under a U.S. Foreign Military Sale, where it completed site acceptance tests and became operational with the Bahrain Defence Force. Personnel were trained at Lockheed Martin’s Syracuse facility, ensuring effective deployment and operation.

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