Raytheon announced on Monday that it has delivered a radar system capable of tracking hypersonic missiles to missile defense agencies.
This upgraded radar, designed for terminal high altitude area defense, not only extends its range but can also provide targeting information to various missile defense interceptors beyond just the Army’s THAAD batteries.
According to Raytheon, this is the first AN/TPY-2 radar equipped with full gallium nitride technology. The AN/TPY-2 radar is intended to safeguard the US and its allies by detecting, tracking, and identifying ballistic missiles in multiple flight stages.
“With the gallium nitride front end, the TPY-2 effectively doubles the detection capabilities, enabling better command and control decisions regarding which interceptors to deploy, whether it’s the SM series, Patriot, or THAAD,” a company representative explained.
This radar can operate as a mobile unit, rather than being directly wired to THAAD batteries, which aligns with President Trump’s initiatives for comprehensive missile defense strategies for the US.
The use of gallium nitride enhances the radar’s sensitivity, extends range, and improves surveillance capabilities while supporting hypersonic defense missions. It also incorporates sophisticated CX6 high-performance computing software, enhancing target discrimination and electronic attack resilience.
“This advanced iteration of the AN/TPY-2 reflects years of investments aimed at delivering superior capabilities at lower costs to the military. As the need for missile defense escalates, the AN/TPY-2 is equipped to handle that mission,” the representative added.
AN/TPY-2 operates within the X-band of the electromagnetic spectrum, which allows it to clearly identify targets and differentiate between genuine threats and harmless objects like debris.
One expert mentioned that this upgraded radar’s combination of increased range and enhanced identification makes it highly effective for tracking hypersonic missiles. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles can change trajectory during flight, making them harder to intercept. Furthermore, they are smaller and have a reduced radar profile, complicating detection efforts.
The enhanced AN/TPY-2 can adeptly recognize small, fast-moving targets, effectively determining their position when the booster separates from the warhead. This precision allows for quicker responses and increased chances of hitting the target before it maneuvers.
