The U.S. Army has selected 10 defense companies to participate in a $4.2-billion, decade-long program to develop next-generation tethered surveillance balloons. The Persistent Surveillance System – Tethered (PSS-T) initiative will involve major players such as Raytheon, QinetiQ, and Leidos, alongside Skyship Services, TCOM, Thunderbolt, and others. Each brings expertise in aerostat technologies, integration, and mission operations. The program seeks to enhance the army’s persistent ISR capabilities in response to shifting global threats, following a competitive solicitation launched in mid-2024.
