Guam is one of the most important strategic islands of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region and a possible target for China in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait. In order to strengthen Guam's defense capability, the U.S. Department of Defense plans to seek a total of $1.5 billion in funding in the fiscal year 2024 budget to deploy an advanced radar system on the island, called AN/TPY-6, which will be able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, including aerial surveillance, low-altitude drone detection, ballistic missile search and tracking, maritime surveillance, satellite tracking, etc., capable of effectively countering China's missile threat.
AN/TPY-6 is a three-dimensional element digital active phased array radar that uses gallium nitride (GaN) technology, where each element has digital capabilities and can define the operating mode of the radar through software. The radar has a frequency of L-band (1215 to 1400 MHz) and can rotate at different speeds or stop/gaze for 360-degree all-round coverage. The radar has a search range of up to 300 nautical miles (555 km), a tracking range of up to 540 nautical miles (1,000 km), an altitude of up to 100,000 feet (30.5 km), a search elevation angle of -6 degrees to 38 degrees, and a tracking elevation angle of -6 degrees to 90 degrees. The radar also has Mode 5 recognition capabilities to distinguish between friendly and enemy targets.
The advantage of the AN/TPY-6 radar is that it can perform multiple tasks simultaneously without switching modes or sacrificing performance. It can search, track and identify targets in the air, sea and land at the same time, providing high-precision information and guidance. It can also detect low-altitude, small, stealthy UAVs, discriminate and intercept ballistic missiles, and track and jam satellites. Its digital and software-based nature allows it to flexibly adapt to different threats and environments, improving the reliability and longevity of the radar.
Another advantage of the AN/TPY-6 radar is that it is highly mobile and adaptable, can be transported by C-130, C-17 transport aircraft, trucks, railways or helicopters, and can operate in extreme environments, such as high temperatures, high humidity, high salt, high winds, etc. It can also be integrated with other radars and weapon systems to form a powerful anti-aircraft and anti-missile network.
The U.S. Department of Defense has previously allocated significant funds for the development and procurement of the AN/TPY-6 radar, with plans to deploy the first system in Guam in 2024, followed by the first live-fire test in 2025. The U.S. Department of Defense also plans to install the radar on other surface ships, such as the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the Constellation-class frigates, and Gerald B. Burke-class destroyers. R. Ford-class aircraft carriers, American-class amphibious assault ships, and San Antonio-class amphibious transport ships.
This initiative of the US Department of Defense demonstrates the great importance attached to the missile threat from China, as well as the recognition of the strategic value of Guam. Guam is a forward base of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region and has a large number of U.S. combat forces, including units and equipment of the Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. Guam is also an important transit point for the United States to send reinforcements and supplies to the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, and is a key link in the implementation of the "first island chain" strategy of the United States.
However, Guam's geographical location also puts it within range of China's missile strikes, and the mainland has a large number of conventional and nuclear missiles that can launch a surprise strike on Guam, undermining U.S. combat capability and logistical support. China's missile threat comes not only from land-based Dongfeng series missiles, but also from sea-based Julang series missiles and air-based Changjian series missiles. The mainland's missile technology is also constantly developing, improving the accuracy, speed, stealth, and maneuverability of the missile, and increasing the missile's defense penetration and countermeasure capabilities.
Therefore, the United States is building a powerful defense system for Guam to defend against China's missile threat, and the AN/TPY-6 radar is the core component of this defense system, which will provide the United States with an advanced early warning and command platform that can detect and track missiles in a timely manner, provide accurate target information for the US interception system, and provide effective means of jamming for the countermeasure system. The deployment of the AN / TPY-6 radar will greatly improve the defense capability of the United States in Guam and enhance the operational superiority of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region.
How to respond: The mainland will comprehensively use the combination of diplomatic means, military technology development, and the concept of peace to face the deployment of Guam's AN/TPY-6 radar system in a more constructive manner. Based on the principles of peace and cooperation, we will maintain regional peace and stability and promote coordination and harmony in international relations. We will be watching closely to see what happens next.