Raytheon will soon begin to export its army navy / transportable radar surveillance-2 (AN / TPY-2) ballistic missile defence radar to several US allies and security partners for use in forward-based mode following authorisation by the federal government.
Purchased through the foreign military sales programme, the forward-based mode AN / TPY-2 radar can be positioned near hostile territory to acquire ballistic missiles in the ascent phase of flight, shortly after they are launched.
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Using a command-and-control battle management network, the radar then tracks and discriminates the threat, and passes critical information to decision-makers, and missile defence systems.
Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems Global Integrated Sensors business area vice-president Dave Gulla said: "As ballistic missiles proliferate and become more technically advanced, obtaining the forward-based AN / TPY-2 will enable America’s friends and allies to improve the performance of already capable defensive systems, such as Patriot.
"By acquiring a forward-based mode AN / TPY-2, or using terminal-mode AN / TPY-2 in forward-based mode, customers will significantly enhance their defensive capabilities."
An integral element of the US ballistic missile defence system, the AN / TPY-2 is a X-band, phased array radar, designed for long-range acquisition, precision tracking, and discrimination of all ballistic missiles, from short-range to intercontinental ballistic missiles, during the ascent phase of flight.
Capable of deploying worldwide in either terminal or forward-based mode, the radar functions as a search, detect, track, discrimination, and fire-control radar for the US Army’s terminal high-altitude area defence system, enabling missiles to intercept and destroy incoming threats.
To date, Raytheon has handed over ten AN / TPY-2s to the US Missile Defense Agency, which are currently in use against ballistic missile attacks in Japan, Israel, and Turkey.
Image: An Army Navy / Transportable Radar Surveillance-2 System of the US military. Photo: courtesy of US Army employee.
