Leonardo DRS, a leader in advanced defense technology, has secured a significant production contract by the U.S. Navy to manufacture AN/SPQ-9B radars. This contract, facilitated by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), includes options that could raise its total value to over $235 million if exercised over a five-year period. These funds will support Leonardo DRS in producing, inspecting, and testing the AN/SPQ-9B radars, along with related spare kits.
Enhancing Fleet Defense
The AN/SPQ-9B radar is a high-tech X-band, pulse Doppler radar, specifically designed for detecting and tracking low-flying threats in challenging maritime environments. It plays a crucial role in protecting Navy ships by automatically identifying air and surface targets, such as anti-ship cruise missiles, UAVs, helicopters, and even periscopes, up to the horizon. The radar's adaptability to high-clutter, littoral (coastal) regions is particularly valuable for defense in these densely populated operational zones.
Cari Ossenfort, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics, emphasized the importance of this radar technology: “The SPQ-9B radar is a vital ship protection system used across the fleet, and we are proud that the U.S. Navy continues to entrust us to produce this important defensive technology.” She credited Leonardo DRS’s experienced team and rigorous engineering processes as essential components in delivering reliable, advanced defense solutions to the U.S. Navy.
Expanding Capabilities for Complex Defense Missions
This contract builds on Leonardo DRS’s longstanding relationship with the Navy, with the company having supported AN/SPQ-9B development and maintenance for the past six years. The award highlights Leonardo DRS’s capabilities in complex design and manufacturing, particularly within Radio Frequency (RF) and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems. The company’s expertise spans multiple domains—supporting air, sea, ground, space, and cyber missions.
Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Leonardo DRS is known for its work on mission-critical technologies across sensing, force protection, network computing, and propulsion systems, providing the Navy and other U.S. allies with innovative solutions for emerging security threats.
Click here for more information on AN/SPQ-9B Radars.
