Radar systems on the Air Force’s B-1B—originally built by Northrop Grumman in the 1980s—will be now be replaced and sustained by Northrop, according to a company press release. The Air Force awarded Northrop an $18.9 million contract for “radar system components and parts for total system sustainment capability in support of long-term B-1 life cycle requirements.” Northrop says the offensive radar system, known as AN/APQ-164, provides target detection, location, tracking, and accurate weapon delivery capability.
The Air Force has tapped sites in Oregon to build its first two new Over-the-Horizon Radars, capable of detecting inbound missile threats from up to 4,000 nautical miles away. The service is hoping to start construction by the end of 2028.