The Pentagon has ordered the latest LTAMDS radars from Raytheon (RTX) for the US Army and Poland for $1.7 billion.
This was reported on the website of the defense department.
The newest LTAMDS (Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor) air and missile defense radars are designed to operate as part of the Patriot TDF air defense system.
The order is a modification of the original agreement for the production of these new radars and brings the total value of the contract to almost $3.8 billion.
The expected completion date is December 28th, 2029.
Raytheon began mass production of the LTAMDS radar in April this year. Before that, the new radar successfully passed eight tests of increased complexity.
This allowed the U.S. Army to confirm that the radar has reached readiness and can begin the production and deployment phase of the program.
During the tests, the radar, in particular, demonstrated the ability to guide PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles in the 360-degree sector.
The U.S. Army has already received the first six LTAMDS under a contract signed in 2019. Two more radars are to be delivered in 2025. In addition, Poland ordered 12 radars for 6 new Patriot PAC-3 batteries. It was Poland that became the first foreign customer of these American radars.
LTAMDS
Raytheon positions LTAMDS as a system to combat next-generation threats, including hypersonic weapons.
Unlike old-style radars with a sectoral view, LTAMDS has a 360-degree circular view. For this purpose, in addition to the main ‘long-range’ antenna array, it has two additional side antennas of lower power.
This configuration should increase the radar’s coverage area and close blind spots that can be used to bypass enemy weapons. The radar is also capable of transmitting data to other air defense systems, allowing them to better coordinate their activities.
