For more than 15 years, Lockheed Martin and Qorvo have worked side by side to deliver trusted source microelectronics for critical U.S. military systems, including the AN/TPQ-53 counterfire radar.

The Q-53 AESA radar detects and classifies incoming threats, enabling rapid target acquisition and improved battlefield mobility. To support this mission, Qorvo provides GaAs solutions and specialized RF packaging manufactured in its MRL 9 accredited foundry, helping ensure secure and scalable production for phased array radar modules. 

This long-standing collaboration shows how domestic trusted manufacturing and high-performance RF innovation come together to strengthen next-generation defense capabilities.

A Proven Partnership Supporting Mission-Critical Radar

Lockheed Martin and Qorvo have partnered for more than 15 years to support trusted source microelectronics for key U.S. military systems. The AN/TPQ-53 counterfire radar is one key example, with more than 100 systems manufactured for the U.S. Army.

The Challenge: Detecting Threats While Staying Mobile in the Field

The Q-53 must detect, locate, and classify incoming rockets and mortars, while also supporting rapid setup and mobility in the field. At the same time, the system depends on reliable RF performance and a manufacturing approach that can support prototyping, testing, and sustained production for a mission-critical phased array radar platform.

The Solution: From Prototype to Production with Trusted RF Performance

The Q-53 shows how a system can move efficiently from prototype to full-rate production while maintaining long-term sustainability.

Qorvo and Lockheed Martin manufacture five MMICs used in the Q-53 TR-module antenna phased array radar. Qorvo supplies GaAs solutions for the radar’s S-band solid-state phased array, along with integrated assembly and specialized RF packaging for components such as amplifiers, gain blocks, attenuators, and switches. 

By manufacturing these solutions in its in-house MRL 9 foundry, Qorvo supports secure production, NASA-trusted reliability, and a cost-effective path from development through sustained manufacturing.