Raytheon, an RTX business, has been selected by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop an advanced sensing and targeting system. This system is to help defend vulnerable commercial shipping and naval logistics vessels against emerging threats such as unmanned surface vehicles (USVs).
Under the contract, Raytheon will design, build, and demonstrate a system that consists of Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, advanced detection software, and robust command and control capabilities to enhance situational awareness and threat response.
The system, which is being developed for DARPA‘s Pulling Guard programme, will deploy the sensors via a tethered drone connected to a semi-autonomous unmanned platform that is towed by commercial and naval logistics vessels. The sensors will provide real-time target tracking data to remote operators, enabling them to make rapid, informed engagement decisions.
Also read: DARPA christens autonomous US Navy surface vessel
From simulated engagements to integrating launchers and effectors
Phase one of the programme will focus on simulated engagements to evaluate system performance and operator workflows. In phase two, the system will transition to integrating operational launchers and effectors for live operations.
‘Through this development, we are advancing critical security technologies for commercial shipping in regions like the Red Sea,’ says 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 minimises risks to both cargo and naval assets.’
Also read: USCG puts $ 350 million in robotics and autonomous systems
Broader capabilities
Beyond its primary focus of vulnerable ship protection, the technology Raytheon is developing has the potential to deliver broader capabilities across a wide range of naval and security operations, including automated overwatch for medium and large USVs and manned combatants operating in multiple theaters.
Picture by DARPA/Colie Wertz.
