Air Operations C2 Systems

The Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) program is a critical component of the United States Marine Corps' modernization and force design initiatives. As outlined in the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 budget request, G/ATOR is a multi-role, expeditionary, ground-based 3D radar system that supports both the Air Combat Element and Ground Combat Element within the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The primary objectives of the G/ATOR program are to provide mobile, multi-functional, three-dimensional surveillance of air-breathing targets, detect cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), rockets, artillery, and mortars, and cue air defense weapons. This capability is essential for enabling integrated fire control and supporting operational maneuver from the sea, particularly in contested littoral environments where Navy sensors may have limited coverage.

The FY 2026 budget request for G/ATOR focuses on several specific procurement and modernization objectives. Key goals include funding for Engineering Change Orders to address reliability and maintainability improvements, continued Low-Rate Initial Production technology refreshes specifically the transition from Gallium Arsenide to Gallium Nitride transmit/receive modules and the installation of Extended Range Mode kits. These upgrades are intended to extend the operational range of the radar and ensure continued effectiveness as legacy systems are retired.

The Multi-Domain Radar in a Contested Environment (MuDRaCE) is a significant new line within the G/ATOR program, with increased funding in FY 2026 to support the procurement of Medium Range Air Defense Radar production systems. MuDRaCE is designed to provide detection and air surveillance in spectrum-dense environments without relying on centralized, high-power radio frequency emitters, thereby enhancing survivability and reducing the probability of detection. The MRADR is an expeditionary, trailer-mounted passive radar that addresses integrated air and missile defense gaps and directly supports National Defense Strategy and Marine Corps Force Design objectives.

The G/ATOR system procurement encompasses both active and reserve components, with Northrop Grumman as the primary contractor. The program has achieved initial operational capability in FY 2018 and is on track for full operational capability by FY 2029, following the delivery of additional systems and the incorporation of Expeditionary Airfield Surveillance Radar units. The procurement plan includes radar systems as well as associated hardware such as Communications Equipment Group shelters, Power Equipment Group pallets, and Tactical Target Generators. All of these are being modernized to align with the transition to the Joint Lightweight Tactical Vehicle as the prime mover.

Support and sustainment activities are also a major focus of the G/ATOR budget line. Funding is allocated for program management support, contractor logistics support, interim contractor logistics support, and the development and maintenance of technical data packages and interactive electronic technical manuals. These efforts are designed to ensure a smooth transition to organic maintenance strategies post-full-rate production, enhance fleet readiness, and provide necessary training and provisioning for new equipment configurations.

In addition to procurement and sustainment, the G/ATOR program includes targeted investments in communications modernization and human systems integration. The replacement of legacy radios with VRC-145 radios in the Communications Equipment Group and the installation of Pallet Communications Support Processors are intended to improve interoperability and ease of use for operators. Engineering Change Orders also address feedback from operational testing and user communities, aiming to reduce obsolescence issues and improve the overall user experience.