US naval vessels are set to receive an enhanced layer of situational awareness after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) selected RTX’s Raytheon to develop an advanced sensing and targeting system. The solution will combine electro-optical and infrared sensors with detection software and command-and-control tools to monitor and track threats in real time.
The architecture relies on a tethered drone carrying the sensor suite, launched from a semi-autonomous unmanned platform that can be towed by commercial or naval logistics ships. Sensor data will be streamed to remote operators, enabling faster and more informed engagement decisions.
The program’s first phase will focus on simulated engagements to assess system performance and operator workflows. Based on those results, a second phase will integrate operational launchers and effectors for live testing. Although initially aimed at protecting vulnerable vessels, the system could be adapted for a wider range of naval and maritime security missions, including automated overwatch for unmanned and manned surface combatants across multiple theaters.
