US Navy Awards $235 Million Contract to Leonardo DRS for Advanced Radar Systems
The US Navy has granted a significant contract to Leonardo DRS for the production, inspection, and testing of the AN/SPQ-9B radars, essential for ship-based air and surface target detection. This potential five-year agreement could reach up to $235 million if all options are exercised.
Cari Ossenfort, the senior vice president of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “The SPQ-9B radar is a vital ship protection system used across the fleet, and we are proud that the US Navy continues to entrust us to produce this important defensive technology.”
The AN/SPQ-9B radar is an X-band, pulse Doppler, frequency-agile radar specifically designed for littoral environments, including harbors and coastlines. It boasts a low false track rate even in high clutter situations, making it particularly effective in challenging conditions. This sophisticated radar system is capable of scanning the horizon while simultaneously detecting and tracking various threats, including low-flying anti-ship cruise missiles, drones, periscopes, and helicopters.
The versatile radar system is suitable for installation on a range of naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, cruisers, Coast Guard maritime security cutters, and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Additionally, it can be digitally integrated with the Aegis combat system, the MK 34 and MK 48 gun systems, the Cooperative Engagement Capability, and various ship self-defense systems.
With this contract, Leonardo DRS solidifies its role as a key player in enhancing naval defense capabilities, ensuring that the US Navy is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to protect its fleet against emerging threats.
