Raytheon receives $235.5 million for Patriot RDP kits

Raytheon will provide Radar Digital Processor (RDP) kits to upgrade the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System for the US and two partner nations under a $235.5 million contract from the US Army Aviation and Missile Command announced on 16 July.

The RDP kits will enhance the capabilities of the Patriot system through improved target detection and identification, enhanced surveillance, and support of PAC-3 MSE missile.

According to Raytheon, the kits will also deliver a 40% gain in overall radar reliability due to increased Mean Time Between Failure, and will decrease the number of battery replaceable units from 759 to 56, substantially reducing spares and maintenance costs over the life of the system. 

Ralph Acaba, vice president of Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, said: ‘These RDP upgrades are yet another example of how we continue to advance Patriot technology to stay ahead of evolving threats. All of our 12 Patriot partners participate in prioritising these enhancements and funding them through the Patriot International Engineering Services Program.’

The Patriot Air and Missile Defense System provides protection against a full range of advanced threats, including aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Raytheon is the prime contractor for both domestic and international Patriot Air and Missile Defense Systems and system integrator for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles.