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| Tethered Aerostat Radar System (Image: Wikipedia) |
MANILA, Philippines — The United States (US) has turned over a new Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) to the Philippine Navy which will enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities.
The rapidly-deployable 28M Class TARS can rise to an altitude of 5,000 feet while tethered by a single cable. It is a self-sustained, unmanned lighter-than-air platform, according to the US Embassy.
This donation would enhance the Navy's capability in maritime intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance by detecting maritime and air traffic within the country's coastal waters.
The TARS will also be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
The donation of the radar system is part of the US Maritime Security Initiative, a program for Southeast Asian countries that seek to improve their abilities to address maritime challenges.
Read the full story at PhilStar