Raytheon, a business under RTX, reported that the U.S. Army has successfully employed the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) to guide Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors in neutralizing cruise and ballistic missile surrogates during live-fire exercises.
"LTAMDS continues to successfully pass each hurdle of the U.S. Army's rigorous testing program demonstrating its readiness for initial fielding," said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. "In this latest test, U.S. soldiers operated LTAMDS to successfully detect, track and support engagement of a complex set of threats."
The recent test forms a critical part of the U.S. Army's operational assessment needed before LTAMDS moves into full-rate production. This advanced 360-degree radar system, seamlessly integrated with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), demonstrated its capability by transmitting tracking data and directing PAC-3 interceptors to effectively target surrogate ballistic and cruise missiles.
The LTAMDS program remains on a demanding timeline, with six radars undergoing concurrent testing and integration across various Raytheon and Army facilities. The project is on track to achieve Milestone C, marking its transition from development to production, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025.
Global interest in LTAMDS is rising, with over a dozen countries seeking details and participating in briefings. In August 2024, Raytheon secured a $2 billion U.S. Army contract to deliver eight radars for deployment in the United States and Poland. As the first international customer, Poland is incorporating LTAMDS into its air and missile defense systems through this Foreign Military Sale.
