US to Lease Artillery-Detection Radars to UN Peacekeeping Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Strategic Insights -

The United States will lease highly precise artillery-detection radars to the U.N. peacekeeping force in Bosnia-Herzegovina, a move aimed at enhancing the force's ability to determine the origin of artillery or mortar fire. The five Firefinder counter-battery radars, which will be operated by Jordanian soldiers, will be sourced from U.S. stocks in Germany and will cost the United Nations approximately $1.2 million for a renewable 10-month lease. This decision comes in the aftermath of a mortar attack in Sarajevo that killed dozens of people, highlighting the need for such advanced technology to prevent similar incidents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US is leasing five Firefinder counter-battery radars to the UN peacekeeping force in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which will enable the force to determine the origin of artillery or mortar fire.
  • The radars will be operated by Jordanian soldiers and sourced from U.S. stocks in Germany.
  • The leasing agreement is for a renewable 10-month period, with the UN paying approximately $1.2 million for the radars.
  • The radars will be comprised of three smaller Q-36 models and two larger Q-37 models, with varying ranges and mobility.
  • About 60 Jordanian radar operators will receive training on the Firefinder radars in Germany before deploying to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  • The radars are expected to be on the ground in Bosnia-Herzegovina within 20 days.

Statistics:

  • 5 Firefinder counter-battery radars are being leased to the UN peacekeeping force in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  • The radars will be operated by 60 Jordanian soldiers who will receive training in Germany.
  • The leasing agreement is for a renewable 10-month period.
  • The UN will pay approximately $1.2 million for the radars.
  • 3 Q-36 models and 2 Q-37 models will be deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  • The radars are expected to be on the ground within 20 days.

Sources:

  • Source: Pentagon spokeswoman Kathleen deLaski
  • Source: "The United States will lease highly precise artillery-detection radars to the U.N. peacekeeping force in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Pentagon said Tuesday."

reference: The New York Times, March 15 (no specific date mentioned in the original text)