MatrixSpace has been awarded a $1.9 million contract under the Air Force Works (AFWERX) Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) Phase II Sequential program to develop an advanced radar system aimed at bolstering base defence capabilities. The contract, which spans 22 months, will see MatrixSpace create a distributed dual-mode mesh radar specifically designed for low-airspace surveillance, utilising its proprietary MatrixSpace Radar platform.
This project is in direct support of the Air Force’s 87th Security Forces Squadron and focuses on scaling the MatrixSpace Radar for tactical and expeditionary base defence scenarios. The radar system will form a scalable, low-cost sensor mesh capable of detecting, tracking and identifying low-flying objects, including UAS, loitering munitions and RF-silent one-way attack vehicles. The deployable system aims to provide the Air Force with a flexible security solution that can be rapidly deployed without requiring additional infrastructure for power or communications.
“This TACFI project addresses a core requirement in new force protection, which is providing an enhanced level of awareness in complex, challenging environments, quickly,” said Matthew Kling, VP of Intelligent Systems at MatrixSpace. “A distributed radar sensor mesh has the ability to detect and identify previously undetected objects, making it essential for the new world of battlespace awareness. This project enables MatrixSpace to demonstrate our product for field use.”
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), plays a crucial role in bringing cutting-edge solutions from small businesses and startups to the forefront of the DAF’s mission. The AFRL, as the DAF’s primary scientific research and development centre, is instrumental in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies across air, space and cyberspace domains.
MatrixSpace Radar, designed and developed in the U.S., is designed to provide situational awareness of airborne and ground-based threats, regardless of environmental conditions. This technology supports accurate drone detection, counter UAS operations, beyond visual line of sight flights and overall airspace security.
