Lockheed Martin to continue PTDS support
The Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS) in use with the US Army in Afghanistan will continue to be operated and supported by Lockheed Martin under a $345 million contract announced on 21 October.
The PTDS is a tethered aerostat-based system that provides real-time situational awareness of insurgent and other illegal activity in the area.
The platform carries multiple sensors and surveillance equipment to deliver constant day and night, 360 degree detection, surveillance, monitoring and force protection not possible with other types of manned and unmanned aircraft. The PTDS can remain aloft for more than 25 consecutive days.
Jim Quinn, vice president of C4ISR Systems, Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions, said: ‘PTDS has proven to be a critical asset for the protection of our forces and those of our allies. We will work in theatre with the army to ensure that PTDS continues to provide mission critical support directly to our warfighters.’
The US Army’s Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, Product Manager, Meteorological and Target Identification Capabilities, based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., will provide programme and acquisition management.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![The shift away from Chinese drone technology presents supplier opportunities]()
The shift away from Chinese drone technology presents supplier opportunities
As countries increasingly move away from Chinese drone manufacturing and focus on domestic production and collaboration, Europe and the US are well-placed to step in – although cost remains a crucial consideration.
-
![What’s next for the Pentagon after the Replicator programme?]()
What’s next for the Pentagon after the Replicator programme?
Although the Replicator initiative has made several accomplishments, there are still multiple gaps to plug across the US Department of Defense (DoD) and its services.
-
![Cummings Aerospace showcases Hellhound loitering munition designed for US Army’s LASSO programme (video)]()
Cummings Aerospace showcases Hellhound loitering munition designed for US Army’s LASSO programme (video)
Cummings Aerospace presented its turbojet-powered Hellhound loitering munition at SOF Week 2025, offering a man-portable solution aligned with the US Army’s LASSO requirements.
-
![SOF Week 2025: PDW unveils attritable FPV drone for SOF operations at scale]()
SOF Week 2025: PDW unveils attritable FPV drone for SOF operations at scale
PDW has revealed its Attritable Multirotor First Person View drone at SOF Week 2025, offering special operations forces a low-cost, rapidly deployable platform for strike and ISR missions, inspired by battlefield lessons from Ukraine.
-
![SOF Week 2025: Teledyne FLIR white paper provides guidance on reusable loitering munitions]()
SOF Week 2025: Teledyne FLIR white paper provides guidance on reusable loitering munitions
Teledyne FLIR is highlighting the emerging requirements for 'recoverable and re-usable' loitering munitions across the contemporary operating environment during this week’s SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida.
-
![SOF Week 2025: Kraken Technology group debuts K3 Scout USV in North America]()
SOF Week 2025: Kraken Technology group debuts K3 Scout USV in North America
High-performance maritime industry player Kraken Technology Group, based in the UK, has used the SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida this week to debut its K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to the North American market.
