Space Force Aims to Upgrade Legacy Radars for Missile Defense and Space Monitoring

The Space Force has announced plans to expand its Ground Based Radar Digitization (GBRD) effort, which will upgrade its legacy radars to improve their missile defense and space monitoring capabilities. According to a Space Systems Command spokesperson, the revised effort will digitize all eight aging systems, equipping them with the same ‘back end’ computers, servers, and software. The program aims to reduce long-term costs and provide a more comprehensive picture of the space domain. The Space Force is seeking industry inputs on the revised effort, with interested vendors until April 1. The program is expected to reach initial operational capability in the first quarter of FY30 and full operational capability by the second quarter of FY31.