Raytheon’s Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), intended to replace the U.S. Army’s Patriot air and missile defense radar, successfully defeated a cruise missile in a development test. The test involved the LTAMDS detecting and tracking a cruise missile, and then guiding a Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile to intercept it. This achievement marks a significant step towards LTAMDS reaching operational capability by the end of the year, with all six contracted radars already built and undergoing simultaneous testing.
Key Points
- Successful Test of LTAMDS: The LTAMDS radar successfully detected, tracked, and assisted in intercepting a cruise missile in a recent test, demonstrating its advanced capabilities.
- Replacement of Patriot System: Raytheon’s LTAMDS is designed to replace the U.S. Army’s existing Patriot air and missile defense radar, offering enhanced capability to counter ballistic missiles and other complex threats.
- Integration with Army’s Defense Architecture: In the test, LTAMDS worked in conjunction with the Integrated Battle Command System, highlighting its compatibility with the Army’s current air-and-missile defense systems.
- Development and Testing Phases: The LTAMDS has undergone a two-phase development and testing process, focusing initially on the main array and later incorporating full-sector capability testing.
- Future Deployment and Fielding Plans: The LTAMDS is scheduled for further testing in 2024, leading to an operational assessment and fielding decisions, with plans to deploy the system for the defense of Guam and in Poland.
