The US House of Representatives has approved $10 million in funding for the development of an advanced radar system at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, designed to expand America’s capability to track and counter emerging air and missile threats. The project will advance CHAOS Industries’ ASTRIA radar, a mobile, scalable solution that uses a distributed network of smaller, low-cost radar nodes instead of a single large array. This networked approach enables more flexible coverage, resilience, and adaptability for training and operational environments. ASTRIA, short for Advanced Scalable Tactical Radar for Integrated Applications, employs coherent distributed networking to link its nodes, improving detection range and tracking accuracy as more sensors are integrated. Unlike conventional radars, which often carry high procurement and maintenance costs, ASTRIA’s architecture emphasizes affordability and modularity while maintaining performance. Once operational, the radar will significantly improve the realism of training missions at Eglin AFB by simulating advanced aerial and missile threats faced by US and allied forces. This capability will ensure pilots and ground crews remain prepared for complex scenarios involving stealth aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. The funding is part of a broader push by the Department of Defense and Congress to modernize America’s test and training infrastructure, ensuring it keeps pace with rapidly advancing adversary technologies. CHAOS Industries, based in California, is leading the effort, with the system designed for both domestic use and potential export to allied nations in the future. The $10 million appropriation will accelerate prototyping and testing, with field demonstrations expected in the coming years. If successful, ASTRIA could become a cornerstone of US and NATO air defense training infrastructure.
