Raytheon has been awarded a contract to start incorporating Gallium Nitride (GaN) components into the US Missile Defense Agency's existing and future AN/TPY-2 radars.

The transition to GaN technology is expected to further modernise the ballistic missile defence radar and reduce system obsolescence.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

AN/TPY-2 radars currently use Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) based transmit / receive modules to emit high power radiation.

Raytheon integrated defence systems mission systems and sensors business area vice-president  Dave Gulla said: "GaN components have significant, proven advantages when compared to the previous generation GaAs technology.

"Through this effort, Raytheon will develop a clear modernisation upgrade path for the AN/TPY-2 radar, enabling the system to better defend people and critical assets against ballistic missile threats at home and abroad."

"GaN components have significant, proven advantages when compared to the previous generation GaAs technology."

The GaN technology has the ability to enhance range, detection and discrimination performance while reducing production costs, Raytheon said in a statement.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The AN/TPY-2 transportable X-band radar protects civilians and infrastructure in the US, deployed military personnel, and allied nations and security partners from the growing ballistic missile threat.

Used by warfighters, AN/TPY-2 continually searches the sky for ballistic missiles.

The system uses its radar and complex computer algorithms to discriminate between warheads and non-threatening counter-measures, according to Raytheon.

More than 6,300 ballistic missiles are currently in use outside of US, Nato, Russian and Chinese control, and this number is expected to grow to almost 8,000 by the end of the decade.

Image: Raytheon's AN/TPY-2 continually searches the sky for ballistic missiles. Photo: courtesy of Raytheon Company.

Army Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Army Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact across the defence sector.

Excellence in Action
Virtualitics has clinched both the Innovation and Business Expansion awards for its Integrated Readiness Optimization (IRO) AI suite, transforming maintenance, sustainment and operational decision-making across the US DoD. Discover how explainable AI and predictive insights are redefining mission readiness, risk management and joint-force efficiency.

Discover the Impact