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.