Raytheon to Develop Advanced Maritime Defense System for DARPA
Raytheon has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to create a cutting-edge sensing and targeting system. This initiative aims to enhance the protection of commercial shipping and naval logistics vessels against emerging maritime threats. The project is part of DARPA’s Pulling Guard program, which specifically addresses the risks posed by unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and other low-cost, asymmetric threats in maritime environments.
Under this contract, Raytheon’s advanced technology team will design and demonstrate a system that integrates electro-optical and infrared sensors, detection software, and command-and-control tools. This combination is intended to improve situational awareness and response times for vessels operating in high-risk areas. The innovative approach involves deploying a tethered drone equipped with sensors from a semi-autonomous unmanned platform towed behind commercial or naval logistics ships. This setup will provide real-time tracking data to remote operators, enabling earlier threat identification and quicker decision-making while keeping crew members out of harm’s way.
Phased Development and Broader Applications
The development of the new system will occur in phases, beginning with simulated engagements to evaluate system performance and operator workflows. Following this initial phase, the project will advance to integrating operational launchers and effectors for live demonstrations. Raytheon emphasizes that this technology is designed to be scalable and cost-effective, providing an essential layer of protection for vessels navigating volatile regions, such as the Red Sea, where commercial shipping has faced heightened security risks.
In addition to safeguarding convoy and logistics vessels, Raytheon’s system has the potential to support broader naval operations. The technology could facilitate automated overwatch for both unmanned and manned vessels across various operational theaters. This versatility underscores the system’s significance in enhancing maritime security and operational efficiency in increasingly complex maritime environments.
As maritime threats evolve, the collaboration between Raytheon and DARPA represents a proactive approach to ensuring the safety of commercial and military maritime operations. The successful implementation of this advanced sensing and targeting system could redefine how vessels protect themselves against emerging threats at sea.
