Leonardo DRS Launches cxMHR, a Fully Digital C-Band Radar for Integrated Air and Missile Defense

Leonardo DRS (Nasdaq: DRS) launched its cxMHR radar and confirmed initial production has begun for the air and missile defense system.

Rhea-AI Summary

Leonardo DRS (Nasdaq: DRS) launched its cxMHR radar and confirmed initial production has begun for the air and missile defense system. The fully digital C-band radar integrates radar panels, identification equipment and command-and-control functions into a containerized system deployable on a single vehicle. The company is displaying cxMHR at the Association of the U.S. Army's 2026 Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C., through October 14.

Key Figures

AESA radar panels: 4 panels Coverage: 360 degrees Detection range: Beyond 90 kilometers +1 more

AESA radar panels

4 panels

Integrated into the cxMHR system

Coverage

360 degrees

Continuous hemispheric coverage

Detection range

Beyond 90 kilometers

Against UAS and loitering munitions

Detection range

Beyond 330 kilometers

Against transport aircraft

Key Terms

c-band, active electronically scanned array, integrated air and missile defense

3 terms

c-band technical

"a fully digital, software-defined, C-band Active Electronically Scanned Array"

C-band is a slice of radio spectrum commonly used for long-range satellite links and now repurposed in many countries for mid-range 5G mobile networks; think of it as a highway frequency that carries large amounts of wireless data. It matters to investors because who controls or uses that spectrum affects telecom companies’ service quality, equipment makers’ sales, and government auction revenue, so changes in C-band policy or deployment can shift competitive positions and future cash flows.

active electronically scanned array technical

"C-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) system"

An active electronically scanned array (AESA) is a type of radar that forms and steers its signal beam by controlling many small individual transmitter/receiver modules instead of moving a single antenna. Like a choir of many singers shaping a single sound without turning their heads, AESA radars can change direction almost instantly, track multiple targets and resist jamming. Investors care because AESA systems affect performance, reliability, production cost and competitive value in defense and aerospace contracts.

integrated air and missile defense technical

"built for modern integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) operations"

A coordinated system of sensors, communications and weapons designed to detect, track and defeat hostile aircraft and missiles before they reach their targets. Think of it as a neighborhood watch, alarm network and firefighter force working together so one threat can be spotted early, relayed to the right responders and stopped quickly. Investors watch these programs because they drive long-term government contracts, export opportunities, maintenance and upgrade revenues, and geopolitical risk assessments that affect company valuations.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Company marks the milestone for DRS' newest AESA radar at AUSA Annual 2026

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) today announced the launch of its cxMHR radar and confirmed that the company has begun initial production, marking the milestone at the Association of the U.S. Army's 2026 Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C.

The cxMHR, short for C-Band Extended Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar, is a fully digital, software-defined, C-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) system built for modern integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) operations. Four AESA radar panels, Identification Friendly or Foe (IFF), command-and-control and supporting peripherals are integrated into a single, ISO-containerized system that can be transported by air, land or sea and deployed on a single vehicle.

The cxMHR delivers continuous 360-degree hemispheric coverage and is designed to detect, track, and identify multiple aerial threats simultaneously, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, rockets, and unmanned aircraft systems. Detection ranges extend beyond 90 kilometers against UAS and loitering munitions and beyond 330 kilometers against transport aircraft, according to DRS.

The system combines AI-enabled tracking and classification to deliver fire-control-quality tracking, extended detection range and rapid target updates. It is built to MOSA standards for integration across IAMD architecture and supports interfaces including FAAD, Medusa, Sapient, Lattice, Asterix, MICAD and RAFT, among others.

“The cxMHR gives our customers a deployable, single-vehicle capability that delivers persistent 360-degree surveillance, long-range detection, and fire-control-quality tracking against today’s most challenging air threats,” said Max Cohen, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS RADA Technologies. “We are ready to deliver this advanced IAMD capability at the speed and scale required by our customers.”

The cxMHR is being shown alongside the company’s broader Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar family at AUSA Annual 2026, running through October 14 at booth 6341, Hall D in Washington, D.C.

About Leonardo DRS

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) is at the forefront of developing transformative defense technologies using its proven agility and delivering innovative solutions for U.S. national security customers and allies worldwide. We specialize in rapidly providing high-performance, multi-domain capabilities across next-generation advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion. Our reputation as a trusted provider is built on a continuous focus on practical innovation, delivering quality, and meeting our customers’ most demanding mission requirements. For further information on our complete range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements reflect current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements which include contract values, contract performance and our development and production of products are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Leonardo DRS Investor Relations Contact
Camilla Yanushevsky
Director, Investor Relations
+1 571 309 8216
investorrelations@drs.com

Leonardo DRS Media Contact
Charles Jones
Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications
+1 571 737 8800
charles.jones@drs.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ee0fa44-b60e-487f-a91f-a914dd3d0f99