PAVE PAWS

PAVE PAWS (Precision Acquisition of Vehicle Entry Phased Array Warning System) is a United States Air Force Space Force (USSF) radar system designed to detect submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to provide early warning of a potential attack on North America. The system is also capable of tracking satellites in orbit.

PAVE PAWS is a network of large, solid-state phased array radars located at geographically strategic sites. The phased array technology allows the radar beams to be electronically steered, enabling rapid and simultaneous tracking of numerous targets across a wide field of view. This is a significant advantage over older mechanically steered radar systems.

The primary function of PAVE PAWS is ballistic missile warning. By detecting and tracking SLBMs and ICBMs shortly after launch, PAVE PAWS provides critical minutes of warning time, allowing for defensive measures to be taken, national leadership to be alerted, and potentially enabling the launch of a retaliatory strike.

The system's capabilities extend beyond missile warning. PAVE PAWS can also track satellites, contributing to space situational awareness. This capability is essential for monitoring the space environment, identifying potential threats to U.S. assets in space, and ensuring the safety of satellite operations.

The PAVE PAWS system has undergone several upgrades and modifications since its initial deployment. These upgrades have improved the system's sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability, ensuring its continued effectiveness as a key component of North America's missile defense architecture. The system is an integral part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) early warning network.