The US Navy has contracted Leonardo DRS to produce, inspect, and test ship-based air and surface target detection AN/SPQ-9B radars.
The potential five-year contract could amount to $235 million if all options are exercised.
“The SPQ-9B radar is a vital ship protection system used across the fleet, and we are proud that the US Navy continues to entrust us to produce this important defensive technology,” senior vice president of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit Cari Ossenfort said.
AN/SPQ-9B Radar
The X-band, pulse Doppler, frequency-agile radar is designed for littoral environments in harbors and coastlines and has a low false track rate in high clutter situations.
It scans out the horizon and simultaneously performs target detection and tracking of both surface and air threats, such as low-flying anti-ship cruise missiles and low/slow-flying aircraft, drones, periscopes, and helicopters.
The radar can be installed on aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, cruisers, Coast Guard maritime security cutters, and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
Moreover, it can be digitally connected to the Aegis combat system, the MK 34 and MK 48 gun systems, the Cooperative Engagement Capability, and ship self-defense systems.