US naval vessels are poised to gain a new layer of situational awareness as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) taps RTX’s Raytheon to build a next-gen sensing and targeting system.
The system will integrate electro-optical/infrared sensors, detection software, and command-and-control tools to track potential threats in real time.
A tethered drone, deployed from a semi-autonomous unmanned platform towed by commercial or naval logistics vessels, carries the sensors and streams target data to remote operators for rapid, informed engagement decisions.
“Through this development, we are advancing critical security technologies for commercial shipping in regions like the Red Sea,” said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon.
“By integrating our proven expertise in command and control, high-performance sensing, and effectors, we will deliver a scalable, cost-effective solution that minimizes risks to both cargo and naval assets.”
From Simulation to Live Ops
Phase one kicks off with simulated engagements to evaluate system performance and operator workflows.
Building on the outcome, phase two will integrate operational launchers and effectors for live testing.
While primarily designed to protect vulnerable vessels, the company said the system could be adapted for broader naval and security missions.
It could provide automated overwatch for medium and large unmanned surface vessels as well as manned combatants across multiple operational theaters.
