U.S. Requests Raytheon Proposal for Polish Radar Support
The request initiates procurement for equipment required to integrate new LTAMDS radar systems into Poland's air defense network.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Semiconductors
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The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency has issued a sole-source request for proposal to Raytheon for support equipment tied to Poland's LTAMDS radar system. This request, announced October 20, 2026, initiates the procurement process for components including a battery command post and frequency converters.
Why it matters
These radar systems are slated to replace Poland's legacy AN/MPQ-65 Patriot sensors, marking a shift in the air defense capabilities of the network. The current procurement phase focuses on the necessary infrastructure to integrate these units into the broader Wisła defense architecture.
The program encompasses 12 LTAMDS radar units and related support equipment, drawing from a total contract value exceeding $5.35 billion. Procurement for frequency converters will involve a cost-plus structure for development, transitioning to a fixed-price model for final production.
The players
Raytheon
An aerospace and defense contractor that specializes in advanced radar systems, missile interceptors, and integrated air defense architectures.
Military Electronic Works
A Polish state-owned enterprise that manufactures sophisticated electronic hardware and energy storage systems for regional defense networks.
U.S. Army
The primary branch of the U.S. military managing the deployment, testing, and production scaling of the LTAMDS radar platform.
The details
The LTAMDS, or Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, functions as an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designed for 360-degree coverage against complex threats. Components requested by the agency include a Battle Command (BMC) post and Signal Relay Processor (SRPT) modules, which handle data processing and transmission within the air defense battery. Polish-based Military Electronic Works contributes energy storage modules to this hardware stack, which is currently in low-rate initial production.
Timeline
2023: Poland signed a contract for 12 LTAMDS radar units.
April 2025: The U.S. Army moved the radar into low-rate initial production.
September 2025: Raytheon secured a $1.7 billion contract for nine radar units.
April 2026: The Army awarded a $904.6 million modification for five radars and six spares.
October 20, 2026: The Defense Logistics Agency issued the sole-source request for proposal.
The Tech Race
The LTAMDS procurement effort continues the transition from the legacy AN/MPQ-65 radar platforms within the Wisła air defense program. This development follows a series of recent contract modifications aimed at finalizing the hardware configuration for multi-battery integration by 2029.
The immediate consequence of this request is the ongoing production of air defense hardware, with delivery of the first Wisła Phase 2 batteries anticipated between 2026 and 2027. This timeline dictates the pace at which localized assembly partners, such as Military Electronic Works, will integrate their energy storage components into the final units.
The takeaway
The procurement process marks the next phase of the Wisła program, which targets full operational capability by 2029. Readers should track the December 18, 2026 submission deadline to determine the final cost and delivery schedule for the supplemental radar infrastructure.
What happens next
Raytheon is required to submit its formal pricing proposal for the support equipment by December 18, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the hardware driving modern defense systems, visit Semiconductors.
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