US Army Bets Big on Raytheon's Next-Generation Radar

US Army Bets Big on Raytheon’s Next-Generation Radar

US Army invests $1.7 billion more in Raytheon’s LTAMDS radar, a 360° defense system built to counter hypersonics and modern air threats.

The US Army is doubling down on its next leap in missile defense. In late August, the service awarded Raytheon a $1.7 billion contract to kick off low-rate production of the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), a cutting-edge radar system designed to outpace the most advanced threats in the world.

The new award pushes the total program value to $3.8 billion, underscoring the Army’s commitment to modernizing its air defense network after more than a decade of planning.

A Modern Shield for Modern Threats

At the heart of LTAMDS is a 360-degree radar system that can track and counter everything from cruise missiles to hypersonic weapons. Its design features a primary front-facing array and two secondary rear arrays that knit together a full-circle picture of the battlespace.

Roughly the same size as the Patriot system’s radar, the LTAMDS primary array packs twice the power, thanks to Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology.

Operating mainly in the C-band with dual S- and X-band capabilities, the radar can simultaneously handle missile communication, surveillance, and fire control—all while adapting through its digital, software-driven architecture.

The Money and the Machines

The contract obligates $435.7 million from fiscal year 2025 Army funds and $397 million from Poland, which is buying 12 LTAMDS radars of its own.

Poland is the first foreign customer, but interest is spreading among other allies.

#ICYMI: Poland is the 1st international LTAMDS customer. #Raytheon‘s next-gen air and missile defense #radar will enhance threat detection capabilities for the country. Details: https://t.co/l8bgEDj7fw. #AUSA2023 pic.twitter.com/h4zkgDQs8N

— RTX (@RTX_News) October 11, 2023

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On the Army’s side, the low-rate production lot will deliver about 10 radars, part of a plan to build 94 units total.

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Raytheon’s production line currently needs about 40 months to build a radar, though the Army has set a goal of 36 months by tightening supply chain operations. Tested Hard, Ready for More The LTAMDS program has gone through a gauntlet of testing: eight missile flight tests and nearly 10,000 hours of environmental trials, from dust storms and rain to grueling road marches. Earlier this year, the system hit Milestone C, clearing the way for production. Soldiers have already taken the radar downrange to Guam for live evaluation, while the Army eyes initial operational testing in late fiscal year 2026. “After achieving Milestone C earlier this year, Raytheon continues to ramp up production to meet the fast-growing demand from the U.S. Army and international partners,” said Tom Laliberty, Raytheon’s president of land and air defense systems. If all goes as planned, LTAMDS will hit full-rate production by 2028, with low-rate lots running through 2029. A Cornerstone of Integrated Defense LTAMDS is not just a new radar—it is the backbone of the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) system, designed to replace the aging Patriot radar and knit seamlessly into the already-fielded Integrated Battle Command System. Its 360-degree coverage and long-range tracking promise to close long-standing gaps in US and allied air defense. And with its digital backbone, the system can evolve continuously, ensuring relevance against whatever future threats emerge. LTAMDS Radar (Raytheon) The Army’s $3.8 billion investment marks a major step in replacing the Patriot radar with LTAMDS, a system built to counter advanced threats including hypersonics, stealth, and large-scale raids. Its software-driven design allows continuous upgrades, keeping it effective for decades. With Poland as the first foreign buyer and more allies expected to follow, LTAMDS is positioned to strengthen both US and allied air defense.