Raytheon, an RTX business, has secured a contract with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an independent research and development agency within the US Department of Defence (DoD).
The company will develop a new sensing and targeting system to help protect naval logistics vessels and commercial shipping from emerging threats, including uncrewed surface vehicles (UAV).
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The system is part of DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme, which aims to enhance the security of both commercial and military maritime operations.
Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team will create and demonstrate a platform that combines electro-optical/infrared sensors, detection software, and command and control tools.
The system will deploy these sensors using a tethered drone linked to a semi-autonomous unmanned platform, which is towed by commercial and naval logistics ships.
Real-time target tracking information will be provided to remote operators, allowing for timely and informed decision-making.
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By GlobalDataThe first phase of the programme will use simulated engagements to assess how the system performs and how operators interact with it.
In the following phase, Raytheon will incorporate operational launchers and effectors to transition to live operations.
While the primary application centres on ship protection, Raytheon indicated that the technology could also support other naval security tasks such as automated overwatch for different types of uncrewed surface vehicles and manned combatants across various operational areas.
Raytheon Advanced Technology president Colin Whelan said: “Through this development, we are advancing critical security technologies for commercial shipping in regions like the Red Sea.
“By integrating our proven expertise in command and control, high-performance sensing, and effectors, we will deliver a scalable, cost-effective solution that minimises risks to both cargo and naval assets.”
