How Northrop Grumman’s G/ATOR Radar Supports the U.S. “Golden Dome” Defense System

Northrop Grumman is advancing a new approach to U.S. homeland defense through its “Golden Dome for America” initiative, centered on the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR). The system is a mobile, multi-mission radar designed to detect, track, and classify a wide variety of aerial and ground-based threats with precision and speed.

Developed originally for the U.S. Marine Corps, the AN/TPS-80 has evolved into a versatile platform suitable for broader defense roles. It combines the functions of multiple legacy radar systems into one unit, supporting missions such as air surveillance, air defense, and counter-battery detection.

The radar uses Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology built on Gallium Nitride (GaN) modules, providing high reliability, extended range, and reduced maintenance requirements. Its electronically steered beams can rapidly shift focus, allowing it to handle numerous targets at once, from drones and cruise missiles to artillery fire. The radar’s mobility enables it to be deployed quickly to different locations, offering adaptable coverage in varying operational environments.

The “Golden Dome” concept builds on this flexibility by linking several G/ATOR units into a networked radar grid. When integrated with systems such as the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) and Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), the radar contributes to a shared picture of the airspace. This enables coordination among different branches of the armed forces and provides a layered detection capability across regions.

The G/ATOR operates in the S-band frequency, which supports a balance between detection range and resolution, making it suitable for identifying low-observable targets. Its open-systems design allows for future upgrades and integration with additional sensors, including space and long-range ground-based assets.

Northrop Grumman’s approach aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense’s objective of developing distributed, survivable sensor networks to counter evolving threats such as unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons. By deploying mobile radar units capable of rapid data exchange, the system supports a layered and adaptable defense posture across the homeland.

The company’s focus on modular technology and interoperability reflects a shift toward flexible, networked defense architectures that can evolve as new technologies and threats emerge.