RTX's Raytheon Conducts Successful Test with LTAMDS and PAC-2 GEM-T Missile

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon, an RTX business, announced a successful live-fire test of its Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), demonstrating the system's ability to detect and track a high-speed cruise missile while guiding a Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) GEM-T missile to intercept the threat.

The test marks a significant milestone in the U.S. Army's program to field the 360-degree, full-sector radar. The LTAMDS program is progressing on schedule, with multiple radars undergoing simultaneous testing and integration. The program is expected to transition from development to production in Q2 FY2025.

International interest in LTAMDS remains strong, with over a dozen countries requesting information. In August 2024, Raytheon secured a $2 billion U.S. Army contract to deliver radars for both the U.S. and Poland, with Poland becoming the first international customer to integrate LTAMDS into their defense architecture.

Positive

• Successful completion of complex live-fire test demonstrating LTAMDS capabilities
• $2 billion contract secured for U.S. and Poland radar delivery
• Strong international interest with over dozen countries requesting information
• Program on track for production transition in Q2 FY2025
• First international customer (Poland) secured through Foreign Military Sale

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

The successful LTAMDS test marks a pivotal achievement in RTX's air defense portfolio, demonstrating seamless integration between next-generation radar technology and existing missile infrastructure. The system's 360-degree detection capability represents a significant technological leap, particularly important in countering emerging threats like hypersonic missiles and advanced cruise missiles.

The $2 billion contract with the U.S. Army and Poland carries strategic significance beyond its immediate financial impact. Poland's selection as the first international customer establishes a important reference case for NATO allies, potentially accelerating adoption across Europe. With more than a dozen countries already expressing interest, the total addressable market could exceed $10 billion over the next decade, considering both initial systems and long-term maintenance contracts.

The program's progression toward Milestone C in Q2 FY2025 indicates strong execution and de-risked development, important factors for international buyers. The successful test series demonstrates RTX's ability to meet complex military requirements while maintaining aggressive development schedules - a rare combination in defense procurement.

From a competitive standpoint, LTAMDS's proven compatibility with existing Patriot infrastructure provides RTX with a significant advantage, as it allows customers to upgrade capabilities without complete system replacement. This approach reduces both cost and implementation risk for potential buyers, while creating substantial barriers to entry for competitors.

Live fire ensures combat-proven effector's performance with LTAMDS

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX business, announced that its Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, or LTAMDS, successfully completed another complex live-fire test, detecting and tracking a high-speed cruise missile and guiding a Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) Guidance Enhanced Missile-T (GEM-T) to defend against the surrogate threat. The milestone is the latest in a rigorous U.S. Army test program, advancing towards fielding the 360-degree, full-sector radar.

"This most recent test represents a significant milestone for both Raytheon and the Army, demonstrating the combat-proven PAC-2 GEM-T interceptor with the transformational LTAMDS radar," said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. "LTAMDS will further enhance Patriot's unmatched air defense capabilities, helping the Army and customers around the globe defend against increasingly complex threats."

This was the latest in a series of LTAMDS live-fire events highlighting the capabilities of the advanced 360-degree radar and its integration with the Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture. The LTAMDS program is executing to an aggressive schedule, with multiple radars being utilized for simultaneous testing and integration at various Raytheon and USG test locations.

Tests have increased in complexity to stress the radar and prove its capabilities against real and representative threat sets. Throughout, LTAMDS has met complex objectives and showcased the performance of the  radar. The program is expected to achieve Milestone C, the official transition from development to production, in second quarter of FY2025.

International interest in LTAMDS is strong, with more than a dozen countries requesting information and receiving briefings. In August 2024, Raytheon was awarded a U.S. Army contract valued at more than $2 billion to deliver radars for the U.S. and Poland. With this Foreign Military Sale, Poland is the first international customer to add LTAMDS to their air and missile defense architecture.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

 

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What was the value of RTX's LTAMDS contract for U.S. and Poland in August 2024?

Raytheon secured a U.S. Army contract valued at more than $2 billion to deliver LTAMDS radars for the U.S. and Poland.

When will RTX's LTAMDS program transition from development to production?

The LTAMDS program is expected to achieve Milestone C, transitioning from development to production, in the second quarter of FY2025.

Which country is the first international customer for RTX's LTAMDS system?

Poland is the first international customer to add LTAMDS to their air and missile defense architecture.

What capabilities did RTX demonstrate in the latest LTAMDS test?

The test demonstrated LTAMDS's ability to detect and track a high-speed cruise missile while guiding a PAC-2 GEM-T missile to defend against the surrogate threat.

How many countries have shown interest in RTX's LTAMDS technology?

More than a dozen countries have requested information and received briefings about the LTAMDS technology.