The Air Force awarded Raytheon a $19.5 million contract for the Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR) system, which will track aircraft, missiles, and remotely piloted aircraft, Raytheon officials announced. The 3DELRR system operates in the C-band portion of the spectrum, affording USAF increased flexibility since that part of the spectrum is relatively uncongested. It also is one of the first programs under the Pentagon’s “Better Buying Power” initiative to start with exportability to US allies in mind. In addition to improving battle space awareness, the program incorporates exportability features and open systems architecture early on to reduce per unit production and total life costs, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said in a statement. The initial $19.5 million contract covers the initial development of three 3DELRR systems, which will serve as the eventual replacement for the legacy AN/TPS-75 long-range, ground-based radar. The initial contract covers the design and manufacture of three radars, with three more scheduled for a low rate initial production option. The six radars are scheduled for initial operational capability by 2020. A follow on contract will deliver the remaining 29 systems to USAF.
Nearly 50 aircraft from the German, French, and Spanish air forces are embarking on a series of exercises across the Indo-Pacific region from June to August, with the U.S. Air Force jumping in on several as well.