IRIA News

The U.S. Army has awarded a substantial $2.1 billion contract to RTX for the initial production of its advanced Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) systems. The deal is part of Washington’s foreign military sales to Poland, reflecting the ongoing defense cooperation between the two nations.

The Pentagon announced that the work under this contract will be carried out in Massachusetts and is expected to be completed by 2028. However, the exact number of LTAMDS units delivered to Poland remains undisclosed.

The LTAMDS is a next-generation radar system designed to provide comprehensive 360-degree coverage of the threat environment. It is powered by Raytheon’s Gallium Nitride technology, which enables it to detect a wide array of threats including manned and unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic missiles.

The radar system features three antenna arrays to ensure complete situational awareness, with the capability to ensure that “nothing goes unseen” by military operators.

Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) is the first in a family of radars Raytheon is calling GhostEye. This radar is designed to defeat advanced and next-generation threats, including hypersonic weapons, or those that fly faster than a mile a second.

Key Features

Advanced Radar Technology:

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA): Uses gallium nitride (GaN) technology for improved efficiency and power.
• 360-degree Coverage: Provides comprehensive surveillance and tracking capabilities by incorporating multiple radar faces.
• Enhanced Detection and Tracking:
• Extended Range: Capable of detecting and tracking a wide range of threats at greater distances compared to legacy systems.
• Multi-Mission Capability: Designed to handle various types of targets, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and aircraft.

Interoperability:

• Integration with Existing Systems: Compatible with the Patriot missile defense system and future Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).
• Network-Centric Operations: Can operate within a networked environment, sharing data with other sensors and command and control units.

Improved Resolution and Accuracy:

• High-Resolution Radar: Offers better target discrimination and classification.
• Enhanced Tracking Algorithms: Utilizes advanced algorithms to improve target tracking accuracy and reliability.

Modular and Scalable Design:

• Flexibility: Can be deployed in various configurations depending on mission requirements.
• Scalability: Allows for upgrades and integration of new capabilities as technology evolves.

Survivability and Resilience:

• Cybersecurity Measures: Incorporates robust cybersecurity features to protect against cyber threats.
• Resilient Design: Built to withstand electronic warfare and other countermeasures.

Operational Efficiency:

• Reduced Crew Requirements: Advanced automation reduces the need for large operational crews.
• Lower Lifecycle Costs: Designed for cost-effective maintenance and long-term operational sustainability.
• Deployable: Can be quickly transported and deployed to different locations as required by the tactical situation.

In recent tests, the LTAMDS demonstrated its advanced capabilities by successfully detecting and engaging a complex target – a cruise missile surrogate flying at high altitude and speed – during a live-fire exercise. In another trial, the radar system was crucial in assisting an SM-6 missile to intercept a target with high precision.

In addition to the recent contract, Poland bolstered its defense capabilities in September 2023 by purchasing 12 LTAMDS radars to complement its existing Patriot surface-to-air missile launchers. This acquisition is part of Poland’s strategic effort to enhance its national defense infrastructure in response to evolving security challenges.

The LTAMDS systems will significantly enhance Poland’s defense capabilities, offering advanced detection and interception solutions to address a wide range of aerial threats. The collaboration underscores the strengthening of military ties between the U.S. and Poland and the commitment to improving defense systems through cutting-edge technology.