QinetiQ wins contract with the US Department of Homeland Security for the Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) on the border

The Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) is an American low-level airborne ground surveillance system that uses aerostats as radar platforms for border security.

QinetiQ has announced that it has won a 5-year $170m contract with the US Department of Homeland Security for TARS.

TARS provides detection, tracking and monitoring capabilities in diverse environments at and beyond the US borders. Under this 5-year contract, QinetiQ will deliver aerostat operations, air-surface radar operations, ground control and data networking systems monitoring, and data analysis in support of border security and air sovereignty missions. The programme will be delivered through the provision of mission support, operations and maintenance, and lifecycle and programme management.

Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer of QinetiQ, said:

“Winning TARS is another significant and exciting milestone in the US – a clear demonstration of Avantus delivering growth. TARS is an integral part of our customer’s mission to protect the US border and a critical capability to US national security.”