Raytheon (RTX) has received a $1.7 billion order from the Pentagon for the latest LTAMDS radars, which operate as part of the Patriot air defense system, for the US Army and Poland, according to the defense department's website.
The order is a modification of the initial agreement for the radar production, bringing the total contract value to nearly $3.8 billion. Work is expected to be completed on December 28, 2029.
LTAMDS (Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor) radars are designed to combat all types of air threats, including hypersonic weapons.
Unlike older models with sectoral view, LTAMDS provides a 360-degree view. To do this, the radar has not only a long-range main antenna, but also two additional side antennas of lower power. This allows you to close the "blind" zones that were in older models.
LTAMDS radars can also transmit data to other air defense systems.
Production of LTAMDS began in April of this year, and the US Army has already received the first six LTAMDS under a 2019 contract. Two more radars will be delivered during 2025. In addition, Poland has ordered 12 radars for its six Patriot PAC-3 batteries.
Earlier, I reported that Norway is allocating almost $700 million for Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine. Thus, together with Germany, it is planned to purchase two systems for Ukraine.