US Air Force, Raytheon, and Kongsberg collaborate on GhostEye MR Air Defense Test

US Air Force, Raytheon, and Kongsberg collaborate on GhostEye MR Air Defense Test
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 11, 2024

Raytheon, a business unit of Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation (SDPE) office and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, recently showcased the operational performance and readiness of the GhostEye MR radar. This advanced medium-range sensor, designed for the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), was put to the test during an extended exercise at the White Sands Missile Range.

The GhostEye MR radar is a novel addition to NASAMS, enhancing its proven combat capabilities against a range of threats, including enemy aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, and cruise missiles. Developed primarily through Raytheon's internal research and investments, GhostEye MR's integration with the NASAMS' Air Defense Console and the Battlespace Command and Control Center (BC3) was a focal point of the exercise. BC3 serves as a critical command-and-control element for the U.S. Air Force.

Jim Simonds, the U.S. Air Force Air Base Air Defense Program Manager at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, commented on the success of the experiment, stating, "This experiment showed that GhostEye MR is a viable sensor option for integrated air and missile defense." He highlighted the radar's rapid deployment capability, precise target detection and tracking at extended ranges, which enhances standoff and decision-making time.

The exercise featured a configuration tailored as an air base air defense solution for the U.S. Air Force. Throughout the live threat scenario, GhostEye MR, NASAMS, and BC3 demonstrated effective communication and data sharing. The radar's role was critical in providing a comprehensive air picture, assisting the command-and-control system in threat identification and response determination. Furthermore, GhostEye MR facilitated simulated engagements, working in conjunction with NASAMS to successfully neutralize the targets.

Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, emphasized the significance of this achievement, noting, "The team's success demonstrates that GhostEye MR can meet the needs of the U.S. Air Force." He acknowledged the increasing sophistication of airborne threats faced by air bases globally, and this exercise marks a substantial step towards deploying an integrated air base air defense capability.

This demonstration builds upon a previous successful air base air defense experiment conducted in Andoya, Norway. That experiment underscored NASAMS' capability to engage and intercept various aerial threats using multiple Raytheon missile types and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace's Fire Distribution Center.

In August of the previous year, Raytheon received its first government contracts to advance the development and assessment of GhostEye MR. As a member of Raytheon's GhostEye family of sensors, GhostEye MR offers enhanced range and altitude coverage, expanding the defended-area capabilities of NASAMS. It also shares commonality with the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), which is currently under development for the U.S. Army, further illustrating Raytheon's commitment to advancing air and missile defense technologies.

With this successful demonstration, GhostEye MR not only proves its readiness but also its potential as a significant asset in modern air defense strategies, offering a fresh perspective on integrated air and missile defense capabilities.