“RTX Unveils First AN/TPY-2 Radar System for Saudi Arabia’s Defense Arsenal”
TUCSON, Arizona (26 September 2024) – Raytheon, a division of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has successfully supplied the inaugural AN/TPY-2 radar for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The AN/TPY-2 serves as a missile defense radar capable of identifying, tracking, and distinguishing ballistic missiles throughout various flight phases.
This marks the first AN/TPY-2 radar equipped with a complete Gallium Nitride (GaN) populated array within the system. GaN is a glass-like substance that presents vital benefits over alternative radio frequency semiconductors in terms of energy efficiency, lightweight design, and power output. GaN technology enhances sensitivity to broaden range and expand surveillance capabilities. Additionally, this innovation plays a crucial role in enabling the AN/TPY-2 radar to support hypersonic operations.
“The upgraded AN/TPY-2 radar is now in a league of its own, with Raytheon implementing over 50 enhancements to the technology,” stated Paul Ferraro, President of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon. “These improvements will empower Saudi Arabia to strengthen its defenses against missile dangers and will also augment the entire system with improved sensing capabilities.”
AN/TPY-2 functions within the X-band of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing for enhanced target visibility and the ability to differentiate between genuine threats to a protected region and non-threatening objects, such as separation debris. In Terminal mode, AN/TPY-2 is seamlessly integrated into the fire control loop of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ballistic missile defense framework through direct communication with the THAAD interceptor.
