US defense firm tests first AI-powered radar warning system for 4th generation aircraft

News, US March 1, 2025 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

U.S. leading defense manufacturer Raytheon, an RTX business, has completed a successful flight test of the first-ever Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)-powered Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) system for fourth-generation aircraft.

The Cognitive Algorithm Deployment System (CADS) integrates state-of-the-art Embedded Graphics Processing Units with Deepwave Digital’s computing framework to embed AI models into Raytheon’s radar warning receiver systems.

According to the Raytheon statement, this integration enables real-time AI/ML processing directly at the sensor level, allowing CADS to utilize cognitive techniques for detecting, classifying, and prioritizing threats.

CADS is expected to begin being procured across multiple platforms in early 2025. By enhancing RWR functionality, CADS improves aircrew survivability while enabling the swift and cost-efficient deployment of advanced AI/ML capabilities at scale.

President of Advanced Products and Solutions at Raytheon Bryan Rosselli said, “CADS’ ability to quickly process data and run third-party algorithms that prioritize threats, with almost no latency will significantly enhance survivability for military personnel.”

Rosselli highlighted, “The advantages of AI in defense systems are extensive, and our recent CADS test demonstrates how commercially available products, paired with advanced algorithms and cognitive methods, can help the U.S. and its allies outpace peer threats.”

For over a century, Raytheon has been at the forefront of technological innovation, advancing and refining capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missile systems, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based solutions, hypersonics, and missile defense across land, air, sea, and space.

Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet — *^{U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin/Thinh D. Nguyen)}*

Cognitive Algorithm Deployment System

Raytheon’s CADS is a cutting-edge AI and machine learning upgrade designed for radar warning receivers on fourth-generation aircraft. By embedding these advanced capabilities into existing RWR systems, CADS enhances threat detection and boosts pilot survivability.

The initial testing of CADS hardware and cognitive radar processing capabilities took place on Raytheon’s flight test aircraft. These tests demonstrated CADS’s capability to enhance threat detection and pilot survivability in real-world scenarios.

In December, further flight evaluations and demonstrations were conducted on a Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet at the Air National Guard’s test range near Tucson, Arizona, where CADS successfully showcased its performance.

The flight tests incorporated containerized Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methodologies developed in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Research Institute, Vadum, Inc., and Raytheon’s cognitive electronic warfare team.

Key Features of CADS

Embedded AI Processing: CADS combines the latest embedded graphics processing units with Deepwave Digital’s computing stack, enabling real-time AI/ML processing at the sensor level. This integration allows for rapid analysis and prioritization of threats with minimal latency.

Enhanced Threat Detection: Utilizing cognitive methods, CADS can sense, identify, and prioritize potential threats more effectively than traditional systems, providing pilots with timely and accurate situational awareness.

Seamless Integration: Designed to upgrade existing Raytheon RWR systems, CADS offers a cost-effective solution for modernizing legacy aircraft without extensive overhauls.