US approves GaN-based AESA Patriot sensor export
Raytheon has received approval from the US government for the export of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Patriot sensors based on Gallium Nitride (GaN), to Patriot air and missile defence system partner nations.
The company successfully demonstrated a GaN-based AESA prototype Patriot array in February 2014. It is used by the US Navy and Air Force in various systems.
Ralph Acaba, vice president of integrated air and missile defence, integrated defence systems business, Raytheon, said: ‘GaN-based AESA technology can bring customers of the combat-proven Patriot optimised 360-degree coverage while setting the stage for future capability improvements.
'GaN-based AESA technology improves Patriot's already high reliability rate and significantly reduces the radar's annual operation and maintenance costs beyond what has already been achieved with other recent Patriot radar improvements.’
Patriot is a high altitude, long-range, all-weather air and missile defence system. It has been tested by the US Army over 2,500 times under real-world situations. It is designed to counter threats from tactical ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft.
More from Land Warfare
-
CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in
The Common Armoured Vehicle System is continuing to rack up orders as the British Army looks likely to become an operator of the vehicle, while Italy and Ireland are also contenders.
-
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax
This year has begun with main battle tanks taking the lead while orders for large logistics and support vehicles continued from last year. Additionally, two of the British Army’s most significant contracted vehicle programmes, Ajax reconnaissance vehicle and Challenger 3 tank, continued to make news in January.
-
Canada looking to expedite purchase of armoured fighting vehicle and a new tank
Canada is improving its Leopard main battle tank fleet but before this is fully completed, it is expected to begin looking for new vehicles.
-
Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)
A surge in aerial threats – from advanced missiles to low-cost drones – is reshaping the way militaries approach air defence, driving demand for flexible, multi-layered solutions.