Geopolitics
Radar AN/TPS-80
Autor. Lance Cpl. Mary Linniman
Information appeared in the media that American forces, in cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, transported an AN/TPS-80 multi-function radar to Yonaguni Island.
The TPS-80 is a multi-role system designed to provide advanced air and ground surveillance and weapons control capabilities from a single, mobile platform.
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“During the Resolute Dragon 24 exercise, the TPS-80 will be used by the 12th MLR (12th Marine Littoral Regiment) and JSDF (Japanese Self-Defense Forces) to enhance situational awareness by supporting comprehensive detection and tracking across the air, land and sea domains,” Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Mozzi said in a statement.&mc_cid=a1b71458ee&mc_eid=2c709e51f7)
The island is located near Taiwan (about 110 km as the crow flies) and will be used to observe the activities of the Chinese navy, air force and drones that regularly operate in the region. Yonaguni and its surroundings are considered one of the most important areas for Japan in the event of an escalation in the Indo-Pacific. This is also related to the Senkaku Islands, to which China has repeatedly made territorial claims.
It is also a significant area in the context of a potential blockade of Taiwan by Chinese forces. So far, Japan has had radars and electronic warfare units on the island, and this will now be reinforced as part of the Japanese-American partnership. There are also plans to deploy surface-to-surface missiles on Yonaguni.
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