The U.S. 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) has deployed an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system to Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan. The radar, transported by a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-2 transport aircraft, marks the first time the system has been deployed to the strategic island.
The delivery underscores the robust coordination between the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) and the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF).
The TPS-80 deployment is part of Exercise Resolute Dragon 24, aimed at enhancing interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Self-Defense Force. It will be used to provide advanced sensing and targeting data.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Roy Shiflet, the target acquisition platoon commander for 12th MLR, stated, “Operating the TPS-80 is a huge win for the MLR in strengthening our relationship with the JSDF, preparing for potential contingencies, strengthening our ability to integrate capabilities, and increasing multi-domain awareness and fires coordination.”
The TPS-80 is a multi-mission radar designed for advanced air and ground surveillance, as well as weapons control. Its mobile platform is tailored to meet the Marine Corps’ evolving needs and provides critical capabilities for Marine Littoral Regiments.
Lt. Col. Joseph Mozzi, fire support coordinator for 12th MLR, noted,” During Resolute Dragon 24, the TPS-80 will be utilized by 12th MLR and the JSDF to enhance situational awareness by supporting comprehensive detection and tracking across air, land, and maritime domains.”
Sgt. Jacob Pesl, a field artillery radar operator with the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, emphasized the value of the training, stating, “It ensures we are prepared to utilize this technology effectively with our Japanese allies.”
Resolute Dragon 24 is the first exercise the 12th MLR has participated in since its redesignation in November 2023. The annual bilateral exercise in Japan aims to enhance command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines and JSDF personnel, focusing on controlling and defending key maritime terrain.
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