Saudi Arabia's New Raytheon AN/TPY-2 Missile Defense Radar Features 50 Upgrades

Raytheon has delivered the first AN/TPY-2 radar system to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The AN/TPY-2 is a missile defense radar capable of detecting, tracking, and distinguishing ballistic missiles at multiple stages of flight. This system represents the first AN/TPY-2 radar equipped with a fully populated Gallium Nitride (GaN) array.

GaN, a material known for its energy efficiency, reduced weight, and higher power output, enhances the radar's sensitivity, increasing its detection range and surveillance capabilities. GaN technology also enables the radar to support hypersonic missile defense missions.

According to Raytheon’s Air & Space Defense Systems President, Paul Ferraro, more than 50 upgrades have been made to the radar system. "The latest AN/TPY-2 radar is now in a different class with Raytheon making more than 50 enhancements to the radar… These upgrades will help Saudi Arabia to better defend itself from missile threats and will additionally benefit the entire fleet with enhanced sensing capability,” Ferraro said.

The AN/TPY-2 operates in the X-band of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing it to clearly identify threats and differentiate between missile debris and actual threats to defended areas. In Terminal mode, the radar integrates directly with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system to provide real-time fire control support.