Raytheon to build microwave antenna system to defeat airborne threats
Deliveries of the systems will be expected in FY2024 and FY2026. (Photo: Raytheon)
Raytheon will build two systems for the US Navy and US Air Force as part of the DARPA Directed Energy Front-line Electromagnetic Neutralization and Defeat (DEFEND) programme.
Raytheon, an RTX business, will design, build and test two high-power microwave (HPM) antenna systems that will use directed energy to defeat airborne threats at the speed of light. The systems will be designed to be rugged and transportable for front-line deployment.
Under the three-year, US$31.3 million contract from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Raytheon will deliver prototype systems to the US Navy (USN) and US Air Force (USAF) as part of the DEFEND programme.
Colin Whelan, president of Raytheon Advanced Technology, said: ‘The new iterations of Raytheon’s high-power microwave systems are cost-effective and reliable solutions that operate at the speed of light – [providing better defence] against faster and more manoeuvrable threats.’
Work will be conducted in coordination with the USAF Research Lab, USN Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering.
The new HPM prototype systems build on Raytheon’s decades of experience developing capabilities such as the Counter-Electronic High Power Microwave Extended Range Air Base Defense, known as CHIMERA.
Prototypes will be expected to be delivered in FY2024 and FY2026.
More from Land Warfare
-
![NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine]()
NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine
The war in Ukraine remains a focus of procurement, concepts of operation, tactics and training for NATO countries. The Crystal Arrow Exercise in Latvia, ongoing until 15 May, is a reflection of this.
-
![SAHA 2026: Armour, artillery and autonomous systems on display]()
SAHA 2026: Armour, artillery and autonomous systems on display
The array of platforms on display at SAHA 2026 showcased the diversity of equipment now provided by the Turkish defence industry.
-
![SAHA 2026: Is the Turkish Army’s Altay MBT finally ready?]()
SAHA 2026: Is the Turkish Army’s Altay MBT finally ready?
At SAHA 2026, the Altay was proudly on display. But has the platform finally overcome the problems that have left it repeatedly late?
-
![AI-enhanced combat radios: how to turn comms networks into an EW advantage]()
AI-enhanced combat radios: how to turn comms networks into an EW advantage
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming defence communications, boosting situational awareness and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities across the battlespace. Bittium’s new partnership with MarshallAI will significantly enhance networked technology, turning radios into cutting-edge sensors with a range of applications.
-
![Saab Barracuda update prioritises drone protection on modern battlefield]()
Saab Barracuda update prioritises drone protection on modern battlefield
Barracuda multispectral camouflage systems have been developed over decades and are designed to conceal a range of infrared and ultraviolet signals as well as reducing detection by radar.
