The U.S. Has Invested More Than $1 Billion In Modernizing Air Defense Systems
- 31.01.2026, 8:51
The contract is aimed at addressing one of the key vulnerabilities of the Patriot systems.
The U.S. continues its massive investment in modernizing its air and missile defense systems. Another contract is aimed at eliminating one of the key vulnerabilities of the existing complexes and is designed for several years ahead.
This is reported by DEFENSE EXPRESS.
American authorities have allocated $1.025 billion for the production of the latest Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radars.
These radars are designed to eliminate a significant shortcoming of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, which previously reduced their effectiveness against Russian ballistic missiles like Iskander-M."
According to the Pentagon, the equipment under the contract will be delivered by the end of March 2030.
Funding and Production Timeline
At the time of signing, the agreement provides funding of about $255 million in the 2026 budget.
The remainder of the amount is expected to be allocated in phases in subsequent years. This approach allows to evenly distribute the burden on the budget and ensure stable serial production.
Who will produce LTAMDS
American company Raytheon has been identified as the contract's executor. Production will be concentrated at the plant in Andover, Massachusetts.
This facility already specializes in the production of the company's radar systems, including the most advanced developments for the needs of the U.S. Army and allies.
What is Patriot's weakness
One of the main problems with Patriot's current AN/MPQ-53 and AN/MPQ-65 radars remains sector visibility, which creates so-called blind spots.
The enemy can exploit these vulnerabilities when planning strikes. The new LTAMDS solves this problem through additional configuration.
The capabilities of the new radar
LTAMDS includes a main radar and two side modules, providing a 360-degree all-around view. This should reduce the effectiveness of ballistic missiles that are launched given the weak directions of previous Patriot systems.
Partner Demand
The LTAMDS radar recently completed testing and has moved into the initial phase of mass production. Initially it is planned to produce 12 units per year, but volumes may be increased to 18 due to interest from other countries.
The first foreign customer was Poland, which ordered the new radars together with Patriot systems and localization of antenna production. Against the background of global growth in demand for air defense systems, other manufacturers are also considering capacity expansion.