Great Falls Air Defense Sector

The Great Falls Air Defense Sector was a military command headquartered at Malmstrom Air Force Base that monitored airspace over Montana using radar surveillance systems. It served as the coordination hub for multiple fighter squadrons positioned across the region to detect and respond to potential threats.

The sector was established in 1959 during the height of Cold War tensions to provide round-the-clock airspace surveillance over the central United States. Its deactivation in 1966 reflected changing defense strategies and the shift toward newer surveillance technologies.

The sector was deeply woven into Great Falls' identity as a military town, with defense operations shaping how residents understood their role in national security. Local families had members stationed there, and the base's presence influenced community life and civic pride throughout the Cold War.

The sector's headquarters was located at Malmstrom Air Force Base on the outskirts of Great Falls and was not open to the general public. Today, visitors interested in learning about this chapter of Cold War defense can visit museums and historical centers that document the base's role.

The facility was equipped with advanced AN/FSQ-7 computer systems that were state-of-the-art for their time, allowing the command to track aircraft movements in real time. These computers represented cutting-edge technology that was also adapted for other military operations across the country.

Location: Montana

GPS coordinates: 47.51640,-111.18200

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:08