Game-changer in drone detection: Lockheed Martin integrates Q-53 radar with Anduril C2 at Desert Guardian

In a key advancement for drone threat detection, Lockheed Martin has successfully integrated its Q-53 multi-mission radar (MMR) with Anduril’s Lattice Command and Control (C2) system at the U.S. Central Command’s Desert Guardian exercise. Conducted at Fort Drum, this exercise aimed to bridge critical gaps in the detection and tracking of drone threats, underscoring Lockheed Martin’s role in advancing defense technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Government.

Enhanced Detection and Tracking Capabilities in Focus

During the exercise, Lockheed Martin’s Q-53 radar quickly integrated into the Lattice C2 Network, creating a comprehensive air picture through real-time data transfer. This capability allowed for enhanced operational awareness, providing military operators with an integrated view that supports quicker, more informed decision-making in a dynamic environment.

Lockheed Martin’s director of Multi-mission Air Defense Radars, David Kenneweg, highlighted the collaboration between government and industry partners in pushing innovation. He remarked that Desert Guardian allowed Lockheed Martin to refine its technologies in response to emerging threats, aligning with the Department of Defense’s urgent operational needs.

Preparing for Future Deployments

Lockheed Martin is now preparing for a follow-up exercise in the Middle East, again under CENTCOM coordination. This forthcoming exercise will continue building on the Desert Guardian achievements, with Lockheed Martin’s multi-domain expertise expected to further enhance the ability of field operators to detect and counter airborne threats.

Expert Insight on the Integration

Industry analysts view the Q-53 radar’s compatibility with the Lattice C2 system as a major step forward. With the defense sector increasingly emphasizing multi-domain integration, Lockheed Martin’s success at Desert Guardian demonstrates its strategic alignment with current defense priorities. Analysts note that integrating diverse sensor inputs into a unified operational picture is critical for advancing battlefield intelligence and responsiveness.