The Thule Ballistic Missile Early Warning Radar System (Thule BMEWS) is located at the Thule Air Base in northwestern Greenland. Positioned between Europe and North America, it is a key element of the U.S. defense strategy and an essential part of the U.S. missile defense architecture. Its function is to detect, track, and provide tactical warning and attack assessment of ballistic missiles launched against the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The Thule BMEWS is a 2-faced phased array radar that operates in the UHF (420-450 MHz) frequency range. It is currently part of the larger BMEWS radar network, which dates back to the early 1960s. The Thule radar became operational in 1953, and served as a key North Atlantic Treaty Organization listening post during the Cold War. 

 

 

In May 2004, Denmark agreed to allow upgrade of the radar to more capable Upgraded Early Working Radar. The trial period was completed in July 2009. The radar is designed to intercept ballistic missiles on their trajectories over the North Pole (Russia, China, North Korea) and is an integral part of the ballistic missile defense architecture protecting both United States and its allies.

 

 

 

Sustainment Transitioned to Air Force

 

In fiscal year 2011, MDA transitioned Thule to the Air Force after successfully transitioning sustainment of both Beale and Fylingdales to the Air Force in 2009. According to program officials, transitioning the UEWRs is a process during which MDA gradually hands over control of the UEWRs to the Air Force. The official transfer of the UEWRs will occur in fiscal year 2012 when all software upgrades are completed. The most recent software build to add information assurance upgrades that is currently under development will be deployed in fiscal year 2011. According to MDA officials, once certified for missile defense, the addition of Thule UEWR to the BMDS reduces sensor coverage gaps and provides larger defended areas for homeland defense.