RTX’s Raytheon awarded contract to further develop next-generation software-defined radar capability
New software gives naval radars multi-mission flexibility and improved spectrum sharing with 5G
ARLINGTON, Va., May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon, a business unit of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has secured a contract from the Office of Naval Research to enhance the development of advanced radar software aimed at next-generation naval radar systems.
As part of this initiative, Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team plans to design software that allows individual components within a radar to operate autonomously. This innovation will enable a single radar system to perform multiple missions at once. By transforming each component into its own software-defined aperture, the radar system can quickly adjust to evolving operational requirements while efficiently sharing congested frequency bands with commercial networks, including 5G.
Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, commented, “The electromagnetic spectrum is more crowded than ever, and our systems have to be smarter about how they operate in it. With precise, software-driven control over where and how we radiate, we’re taking an important step forward in how we use software-defined apertures to keep pace with evolving mission demands.”
This initiative builds on Raytheon’s extensive expertise in software-defined apertures. The modular and flexible architecture will deliver improvements through software revisions rather than entire hardware overhauls. This methodology allows for enhanced radar capabilities to be adapted over time with increased speed, lower costs, and minimized risks.
Upon completion of the software development phase, Raytheon will conduct a series of demonstrations to validate the independent operation of radar modules and assess capabilities such as multi-mission functionality and spectrum sharing. Following successful validation, this technology is anticipated to transition into active naval radar systems.
About Raytheon
Raytheon, part of RTX, specializes in defense solutions that assist the U.S. government, its allies, and partners in maintaining national sovereignty and security. For over a century, the company has pioneered technologies in integrated air and missile defense, advanced sensors, smart weapons, and hypersonics across multiple domains, including land, air, and sea.
About RTX
With a workforce exceeding 180,000, RTX is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation to enhance global connectivity and security. As an industry leader, the company drives advancements in aviation, integrated defense systems, and next-generation technology, tackling critical challenges faced by customers worldwide. RTX anticipates $88 billion in sales for 2025 and operates from its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
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SOURCE RTX
Source: RTX (Raytheon) (2026-05-18 12:00:00)
