RTX's Raytheon to advance target-detection capabilities for naval radars

Raytheon, an RTX business, has received a contract from the Office of Naval Research to develop advanced target-detection capabilities for naval radar systems. The project focuses on creating and evaluating new signal and data-processing algorithms, alongside targeted software upgrades aimed at extending detection range, increasing sensitivity, and improving overall radar-system efficiency. These enhancements will undergo rigorous laboratory and field testing to validate performance before integration into Raytheon's SPY-6 family of radars and other future naval systems.

The contract builds on Raytheon's prior work with software-defined apertures and leverages insights from previous ONR initiatives such as ASPIRE and STORM. These foundational advancements established hardware and software improvements for next-generation radar capabilities, which this new program will further develop and refine. Work will be conducted at Raytheon facilities in Portsmouth, R.I., and Andover, Massachusetts, with completion expected by 2031.

Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, emphasized the value of software-first upgrades for modernizing fielded radar systems, calling them a cost-effective way to deliver mission-ready capability. He noted that these enhancements will enable naval operators to detect smaller objects at greater distances and classify targets more quickly, improving decision-making for the fleet.

Raytheon is expanding its engineering workforce to support critical military programs, including this radar enhancement initiative. The company is actively recruiting emerging talent, experienced professionals, and veterans, with open roles available on its website. The expansion reflects Raytheon's commitment to advancing defense technologies and strengthening its workforce for ongoing and future military programs.