Surface Navy 2026: Raytheon focuses on transition to AN/SPY-6 full-rate production

Radar equipment aboard DDG 128, shown here, recently underwent testing. (HII)

With AN/SPY-6 variants proving themselves in testing and integration, radar manufacturer Raytheon is training its resources on the transition to full-rate production of the sensor suites and equipment, according to Jen Gauthier, Raytheon vice-president of Naval Systems and Sustainment.

During the previous calendar year, Raytheon engaged in testing with Missile Defense Agency (MDA) as well as the US Navy (USN). Some operational testing was completed on Ted Stevens (DDG 128) in the third quarter of 2025 for example, she said.

The focus is on production and part of that transition is addressing the Pentagon's emphasis on cutting costs while hastening manufacturing speed and improving efficiency, Gauthier told Janes on 7 January during an AN/SPY-6 programme briefing in advance of the Surface Navy Association National Symposium 2026, which started on 13 January in Arlington, Virginia.

At its radar development, testing, manufacturing, and assembly plant in Andover, Massachusetts, Raytheon is concentrating on “driving out touch labour and making sure to use as most automation as possible”, Gauthier said.

While AN/SPY-6 features a mature design, Gauthier noted Raytheon recently secured a USN design agent contract. Design modifications may be needed for integration with the Baseline 10 Aegis Combat System and more work needs to be done with the AN/SPY-6 suite on guided-missile destroyer Louis H Wilson Jr (DDG 126) as the ship prepares for commissioning and is subjected to operational testing.

For more information on Raytheon's contracted work to support SPY-6 radars, please seeUS Navy awards RTX's Raytheon follow-on contract for continued support of SPY-6 radars .