Lockheed Martin to Develop MIMO Radar for Naval Airborne Platforms

Lockheed Martin has won U.S. Navy’s $46.4 million contract to develop the digital expanded ultra-high frequency multiple input multiple output (MIMO) optimized radar.

As per an official Pentagon statement, this contract provides for the development of advanced radar technology solutions applicable to both next generation platforms and current generation platforms such as the E-2D.

Work will be performed in Liverpool, New York, and is expected to be completed in September 2027.

This contract was competitively procured under entitled “Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology.” Since proposals are received throughout the year under the long-range BAA, the number of proposals received in response to the solicitation is unknown.

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar boasts several key features, including the ability to transmit multiple signals and receive multiple echoes at the same time, which greatly improves its capability to track numerous targets. Its spatial diversity, high-resolution imaging, and precise target localization make it effective in cluttered environments. MIMO radar can also accurately estimate target velocities through Doppler processing and adapt its beamforming patterns on the fly. It enhances sensitivity by combining signals from multiple antennas, reducing detectability by spreading transmitted energy, and offers versatility for various applications such as defense and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, it's resilient, as it can continue functioning even with damaged or jammed antennas.