The President of the Republic of Paraguay and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Santiago Peña, announced the purchase of radars from the American company Northrop Grumman through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The contract was signed last Thursday, February 20.
During his announcement, made at an event within the Paraguayan Air Force’s First Air Brigade, President Peña stated: “Through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, we have acquired the world’s best radar technology to ensure our national defense and unrestricted air sovereignty. This acquisition radically transforms our operational capability against drug trafficking and transnational crime, allowing Paraguay to strengthen its commitment to security not only at the national level but also regionally.”
At the same event, the Minister of National Defense, General (Ret.) Óscar González, and Air Force General Julio Fullaondo provided further details about the procurement process and the specifications of the radars that will soon arrive in Paraguay and are expected to be operational within no more than 30 months.
“The package includes a command and control center, one radar, a communication system, software, a video wall, a set of spare parts, and training for 20 radar technicians, 20 radar operators, and 20 control center operators. This package has a cost of USD 45,763,000. It will be the first radar in a procurement process totaling nine radars to implement the country’s radar system,” stated General Fullaondo.
With this first radar, along with the modernization of the two ELTA 2106 mobile radars currently being upgraded in Israel and expected to be incorporated by mid-year, the Paraguayan Air Force will achieve 90% coverage of national airspace. The new command and control center will be under the jurisdiction of the FAP’s General Aeronautical Prefecture.
The chosen one: AN/TPS-78 ADCAP
Paraguayan Air Force specialists confirmed to Zona Militar that the radar selected to equip the country will be the AN/TPS-78 ADCAP (Advanced Capability Multi-Mission Radar).
This radar features a long-range surveillance mode with a ten-second refresh rate and a detection range of up to 444 kilometers. Additionally, it can function as a gap-filler solution with a five-second refresh rate and a range of up to 222 kilometers. The AN/TPS-78 is the evolution of the well-known TPS-70 radar and is considered a fifth-generation solution.
The radar operates in the S-Band (2.8 to 3.1 GHz), incorporates advanced power transmission devices, a modern signal and data processor, Low Sidelobe antenna technology, an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system with Mode S and secure modes, and high mobility with minimal deployment times. It is capable of tracking unmanned vehicles, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles, regardless of weather conditions.
“With these radars, we will fulfill our mission of defense and security for development. We will be relentless with any aircraft that violates our airspace. We are also determined to strengthen the capabilities of the Paraguayan Army and Navy, always focusing on the fight against organized crime and terrorism,” emphasized Minister González.
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