Raytheon Wins Space Force Contract to Digitize Early Warning Radars

Raytheon, an RTX business, has been selected to modernize U.S. Space Force radar sites that form the outermost layer of the nation's missile defense architecture. The work, carried out under the Ground-Based Radar Digitization program, targets long-serving sensors that provide early warning of launches, characterize objects, and track activity in space.

The program will modernize and upgrade existing systems to enhance performance, improve reliability, and support more advanced operational capabilities. The stated goal is to keep the radars delivering ground-based early warning and space monitoring for decades to come, strengthening domain awareness and supporting what the company describes as a more resilient, layered security architecture.

Under the program, Raytheon will install new digital systems intended to improve detection and long-term performance. The company said its approach uses a rapid development method that creates a foundational technical baseline for the broader GBRD portfolio, accelerating the delivery of new capabilities. Working with the Space Force and industry, Raytheon will help create a common open architecture meant to improve sustainment efficiency, avoid vendor lock, and simplify future upgrades. The program will deliver prototype solutions before transitioning to rapid fielding at the remaining locations.

Sam Deneke, president of Air and Space Defense Systems at Raytheon, said digitizing the radar systems is essential to staying ahead of increasingly complex global threats. He said the company's technical approach enables faster deployment of new capabilities that support the Space Force's effort to extend the performance and mission utility of the sites.

The company characterized the digitization effort as central to maintaining the strategic value of the radar network. According to Raytheon, the updates will ensure the radars continue to provide critical early warning and space monitoring capabilities while supporting the Space Force's layered security objectives.

The next milestone named in the program is the delivery of prototype solutions, which will precede a transition to rapid fielding across the remaining radar locations.