US AN/TPS-78 radar was suddenly found as a part of Russian SA-20b Gargoyle surface-to-air missile system
A rather interesting photo has been published in the public domain. It shows the American AN/TPS-78 radar that operates as part of the Russian S-300PMU2 (NATO codification SA-20b Gargoyle) surface-to-air missile system.
Here's What We Know
This combination is used by the armed forces of Algeria. The African country has several dozen SA-20b Gargoyle launchers. But it is difficult to say how the Algerian military received the American-made radar. At least, there is no official information about the delivery.
Algeria is the only country in the world where you can find an #American AN/TPS -78 long range surveillance #RADAR working alongside with a #Russian long range #AirDefense#USA #Algeria #Russia#NorthropGrumman #AlgerianArmy #AlmazAntey pic.twitter.com/EZyBwu1JaG
- kimo dial (@kmldial70) May 14, 2023
Another interesting question is how the experts were able to pair the US radar with the Russian launchers. It is also not clear how the data exchange system between the components of the surface-to-air missile system is set up.
By default, the SA-20b Gargoyle includes a 64N6E2 detection radar. The system has received a new 48N6E2 interceptor and is capable of engaging targets at ranges up to 195 km. The system can counter short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.
As for the AN/TPS-78, it is an S-band radar designed to detect high-speed airborne objects in challenging environments. It was developed by the American company Northrop Grumman. The radar station has an active phased antenna array. It has a target detection range of several hundred kilometres.
Source: @kmldial70
