Summary
The U.S. missile defense network now has a new radar system in Alaska called the Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR). This radar helps identify and track missile threats and is part of efforts to improve national defense capabilities against potential missile attacks.
Key Facts
- The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) is located at Clear Space Force Station in Alaska.
- The radar helps detect, track, and differentiate between multiple long-range missile threats.
- LRDR is a key part of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system in the U.S.
- The GMD helps counter missile threats but has limitations against larger threats from Russia and China.
- The U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command officially started using the LRDR on December 4.
- The radar improves accuracy and reduces response time for missile defense.
- LRDR started operations in December 2021 and was tested with a live intercontinental ballistic missile target in June.
- The radar uses solid-state technology and advanced algorithms to work effectively over long ranges.
