Raytheon Pushes Long-Range Missile Defense with SM-3 Missiles, TPY-2 Radars
The radar has been cleared for export in a forward-basing mode, and the missiles are attracting international interest, says Raytheon.
The TPY-2 is a large and powerful X-band radar that can still be moved to forward areas for early detection of ballistic missile launches. (Photo: Raytheon)
The TPY-2 is a large and powerful X-band radar that can still be moved to forward areas for early detection of ballistic missile launches. (Photo: Raytheon)

The U.S. government has cleared Raytheon’s AN/TPY-2 ballistic missile defense radar for sale to several allies in its forward-based mode. The large but mobile and air-transportable X-band radar is already cleared for export as part of the Lockheed Martin Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system. But when it can be positioned near to hostile territory, the TPY-2 can acquire ballistic missiles in the boost (ascent) phase of flight. That gives more time for air defense command and control systems to react. Additionally, it allows the radar to cue three-stage SM-3 missiles–another Raytheon product–that can perform an early or mid-course intercept of ballistic missiles. Only software changes are required to convert the radar for forward-basing.


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