Patriot getting enhanced radar capabilities

Raytheon is enhancing the Patriot air defense system for the U.S. Army and two allied countries through the supply of radar digital processor kits.

The kits provide improved target detection and identification, a 40 percent improvement in overall radar reliability and decreased need for spare batteries for the system.

"These RDP upgrades are yet another example of how we continue to advance Patriot technology to stay ahead of evolving threats," said Ralph Acaba, vice president of Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business. "All of our 12 Patriot partners participate in prioritizing these enhancements and funding them through the Patriot International Engineering Services Program."

The contract was awarded to Raytheon by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala. It is worth $235.5 million.

Raytheon did not disclose a delivery schedule or identify the partner countries receiving the enhancement.

Work under this contract will be performed at Raytheon's Integrated Air Defense Center in Andover, Mass.