Missiles & Launch Systems
RTX led the charge in modernizing missile systems this month, with a focus on improving soldier capabilities and enhancing weapon performance. The company delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs) for the U.S. Army’s Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. These next-generation launchers, incorporating modern infrared camera technology, offer improved target detection ranges and ease of use (Stories 3, 4, 5). The U.S. Army also received software patches from an Army hackathon, aimed at integrating proprietary software programs and improving troop capabilities in CENTCOM (Story 1).
International Expansion
RTX continued its global expansion with significant contracts awarded for SeaRAM systems and other defence solutions. Raytheon was selected to provide SeaRAM launchers, Blast Test Vehicles, and technical services for Australia’s Improved Mogami-class frigates, marking the first procurement of this advanced terminal ship defense system in Australia (Stories 11, 12). Additionally, AirAsia ordered 150 Airbus A220 aircraft powered by RTX’s Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, further cementing the company’s presence in the Asian market (Notable Deal).
| Domain | Story Count | Standout Development |
|---|---|---|
| Missiles | 3 | Successful delivery of next-gen Javelin launchers and software patches |
| International | 4 | Secured significant contracts for SeaRAM, A220 aircraft engines |
What else moved:
- RTX’s BBN Technologies unveiled PACE4ACE, an auto-switching system that ensures uninterrupted communications even when underlying networks are jammed or unavailable (Story 8).
- Raytheon was awarded a contract to further develop next-generation software-defined radar capability, enabling multi-mission flexibility and improved spectrum sharing with 5G (Story 10).
- The U.S. Air Force delayed the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program by three years, with GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney competing to fabricate full-up engine prototypes (Story 7).
Deal Snapshot
| Programme | Value | Customer | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improved Mogami-class frigates | $26M | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | SeaRAM launchers |
| Next-gen software-defined radar | $1,500M | U.S. Air Force | Radar software |
| Javelin Joint Venture | Not specified | U.S. Army | Javelin LWCLU |