Raytheon has been awarded a substantial $536-million contract from the US Navy to enhance its SPY-6 radar systems. This agreement includes a wide range of services, such as training, engineering support, shipboard installation, system integration, and crucial software updates aimed at improving radar performance. The scope of this contract is set to continue through 2026, marking a significant commitment to advancing naval capabilities.
Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, emphasized the critical role that SPY-6 technology plays in modern naval operations. “SPY-6 is the most advanced radar in the US naval fleet, providing ships a new level of defense against evolving threats,” she noted. This sentiment underscores the importance of the radar system in the Navy’s long-term technology strategy, which is expected to endure well into the future.
Currently, SPY-6 radar systems are operational on two Navy vessels, with installations planned for three additional ships this year. Over the next decade, the Navy anticipates outfitting more than 60 ships with this cutting-edge technology, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities.
The SPY-6 radar family consists of four distinct variants, each developed from a modular system utilizing “building blocks” known as Radar Modular Assemblies (RMAs). These RMAs can be configured in various combinations to fit the specific size and mission requirements of individual vessels. Each RMA is encapsulated in a compact 2x2x2-foot box, enabling a flexible deployment.
All four radar variants provide comprehensive 360-degree coverage and are engineered to counter various threats, including cruise missiles, air and surface attacks, and electronic warfare.
The SPY-6(V)1 variant features four fixed radar faces built from 37 RMAs each and is currently installed on DDG 51 Flight III destroyers. This system is noted for its advanced tracking capabilities, particularly in defending against ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
A slightly smaller version, the SPY-6(V)4, maintains the same four fixed radar faces but is equipped with 24 RMAs per face. This variant is specifically designed for amphibious assault ships and Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.
The SPY-6(V)2 employs a single rotating face composed of nine RMAs and is tasked with self-defense and air traffic control functionalities for various naval platforms. Meanwhile, the SPY-6(V)3 parallels (V)2 in core capabilities but opts for three fixed radar faces rather than a rotating one. This configuration is set to be installed on Ford-class carriers and the newly designed Constellation-class frigates.
The ongoing development and deployment of the SPY-6 radar family illustrate the US Navy’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats by leveraging advanced technology to bolster its defense framework.
