Iceland to upgrade long-range air surveillance radars

Iceland is to upgrade its chain of long-range air surveillance radars, with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) announcing a multimillion dollar contract on 14 October.

Iceland Air Defence System’s AN/FPS-117 long-range air surveillance radars are to receive an upgrade managed by the NSPA. (NSPA)

Under the award, Iceland’s chain of Lockheed Martin AN/FPS-117 ground-based radars will undergo a technology insertion programme to improve their serviceability and to remove obsolescence issues.

The upgrade includes a technology update to the radar signal and data processing groups, extending the system’s lifespan by eliminating obsolescence and improving supportability. In addition, the capability of the radars is enhanced to meet the most current requirements for air surveillance systems in NATO air operations. The upgraded radars meet NATO’s Military Requirements for Surface-to-Air Identification,” the NSPA said.

According to the NSPA, the agency’s Communications, Air and Missile Defence programme provides life cycle management, technical and logistics support services for the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System’s (NATINAMDS) early warning sensors, which includes Iceland’s systems.

While the NSPA did not disclose the number of radars involved, Janes World Air Forces notes that Iceland fields four AN/FPS-117(V)5 systems located at Midnesheidi, Stokksnesi, Gunnolfsvíkurfjalli, and Bolafjalli. As Iceland does not have an air force, these systems are operated by the coastguard.