New state of the art radar arrives at 12 Radar Squadron

Warrant Officer Francis Doyon, Squadron Warrant Officer – 12 RS

On November 7, 2024, 12 Radar Squadron (RS), 3 Wing Bagotville received their state-of-the-art TPS-77 Tactical Control Radar system, the latest-generation mobile long-range radar. This radar is part of a broader plan to modernize the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and is the same system that 42 RS, 4 Wing Cold Lake received a year ago.

The integration of this modern system into the operations of 3 Wing puts the necessary tools in the hands of our personnel to accomplish the mission and marks a significant advancement in the RCAF’s ability to monitor and protect the airspace in which we operate. The radar, featuring cutting-edge technology, has been designed to improve the detection and tracking of aircraft, even in challenging weather conditions, at high altitudes, and at high speeds. 

With its advanced capabilities, this radar will enhance the RCAF’s responsiveness to potential threats and optimize surveillance missions. Major Sébastien Gagnon, Commanding Officer of 12 RS, expressed his enthusiasm about the integration of this improved capability, "The arrival of this new radar is a turning point for our squadron. It will not only improve our operational efficiency, but also ensure the safety and surveillance of our airspace with unmatched precision." Our operational advantage stems from a force that is mission-ready, combat-efficient, and capable of delivering precise kinetic and non-kinetic effects.

The “Foxes” of 12 RS continue to carry out their missions with the professionalism and commitment that defines Canada’s Air Force. Ongoing training is taking place for our personnel to ensure that every member of the squadron fully masters this essential tool.

This new radar is just one of many advancements within the RCAF, demonstrating our determination to stay at the cutting edge of military technology, improve our lethality, and enhance our capabilities to deter, detect, defend, and defeat an adversary before that adversary is capable of the same.