RTX's Raytheon awarded contract to further develop next-generation software-defined radar capability

RTX (NYSE: RTX) business Raytheon received a contract from the Office of Naval Research to advance next-generation, software-defined naval radar capabilities.

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX (NYSE: RTX) business Raytheon received a contract from the Office of Naval Research to advance next-generation, software-defined naval radar capabilities.

The software enables independent control of radar building blocks for simultaneous multi-mission operation, improved spectrum sharing with 5G, and upgradeable performance via a flexible, modular architecture, with demonstrations planned before transition into operational systems.

Positive

• Office of Naval Research awards Raytheon contract for advanced radar software
• Software-defined apertures enable simultaneous multi-mission radar operation
• Modular architecture allows performance upgrades through software instead of hardware redesign
• Technology expected to transition into operational naval radar systems after validation

Negative

• None.

Argus May 18 session

+2.79% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – RTX

In the May 18 session, RTX gained 2.79%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights Raytheon’s work on software-defined naval radar architectures that enab...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Raytheon’s work on software-defined naval radar architectures that enable independent control of radar modules, multi-mission operation, and spectrum sharing with networks like 5G. It builds on prior RTX radar and defense wins reported in early May 2026. Investors may track how these software-driven upgrades transition into operational naval systems and how they complement existing radar orders and production expansion initiatives.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 11

5 events

1. May 11

   Facility investment

   24h Move

   +1.4%

   Collins Aerospace investing $26.5M to expand Largo radar production facility.

2. May 11

   Defense contract win

   24h Move

   +1.4%

   Raytheon SeaRAM systems selected for Australia’s new frigate program.

3. May 8

   Engine milestone

   24h Move

   -0.4%

   Pratt & Whitney completes digital assembly readiness review for XA103 engine.

4. May 6

   Large aircraft order

   24h Move

   +2.2%

   AirAsia orders 150 A220 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

5. May 6

   Radar order

   24h Move

   +2.2%

   Raytheon receives largest single order for 120 SharpSight radars from Blue Raven.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

software-defined radar, software-defined aperture, electromagnetic spectrum, spectrum sharing, +2 more

6 terms

software-defined radar technical

"next-generation software-defined radar capability"

A software-defined radar is a radar system whose core behavior — how it sends, receives and interprets radio signals — is controlled by programmable software rather than fixed hardware. Like a smartphone that gains new features through apps instead of replacing the device, this flexibility lets operators update capabilities, add modes, and tailor performance to different tasks without major hardware changes. For investors, that means products with longer useful lives, faster feature rollouts, potential software revenue streams, and smoother adaptation to new markets such as defense, automotive safety, and spectrum-sharing communications.

software-defined aperture technical

"we use software‑defined apertures to keep pace with evolving mission demands"

A software-defined aperture is a virtual control that uses algorithms to decide how much signal—light, radio waves or image data—a device captures and how that input is shaped, instead of relying on a fixed physical opening. For investors it matters because it can improve performance, enable new features and reduce hardware costs through software updates or licensing, much like resizing a camera hole in software to change focus and field of view without swapping parts.

electromagnetic spectrum technical

"The electromagnetic spectrum is more crowded than ever"

The electromagnetic spectrum is the full range of invisible energy waves—from low-frequency radio waves to high-frequency gamma rays—that carry signals, heat, and light. Think of it as a multi-lane highway where each lane suits different uses: some lanes carry radio and TV broadcasts, others carry mobile phone and satellite signals, and some enable medical imaging or industrial sensors. Investors care because access, regulation, and technology that use specific lanes determine the value, revenue potential, and competitive position of companies in telecom, healthcare, defense, and electronics.

spectrum sharing technical

"improved spectrum sharing with 5G"

Spectrum sharing is the practice of letting more than one wireless user or company use the same radio frequencies so signals don’t sit idle and networks carry more traffic. Think of it like multiple drivers using the same road through scheduling and lane rules to avoid gridlock. For investors, it affects how quickly companies can expand service, lower spectrum costs, form partnerships, and face regulatory or competitive risk, all of which influence future revenue and capital needs.

5g technical

"better share crowded frequency bands with commercial networks such as 5G"

5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology that provides faster internet connections, lower latency, and greater capacity than previous networks. It enables quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and more reliable connections for devices. For investors, 5G represents a significant upgrade in technology infrastructure that can drive growth in related industries such as smartphones, smart cities, and the Internet of Things.

multi-mission technical

"allowing a single radar to perform multiple missions simultaneously"

multi-mission describes a product, platform, vehicle, or organization designed to perform multiple distinct roles or tasks instead of a single specialized function. For investors, multi-mission capability suggests access to broader markets and more revenue streams—like a Swiss Army knife compared with a single-use tool—but it can also mean higher development, certification and maintenance costs that can affect margins and risk profiles.

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

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New software gives naval radars multi-mission flexibility and improved spectrum sharing with 5G

ARLINGTON, Va., May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has been awarded a contract from the Office of Naval Research to further develop advanced radar software for next-generation naval radars.

Under the contract, Raytheon's Advanced Technology team will develop software that enables each building block within a radar to operate independently, allowing a single radar to perform multiple missions simultaneously. By treating each building block as its own software-defined aperture, the radar can rapidly adapt to changing operational needs and better share crowded frequency bands with commercial networks such as 5G.

"The electromagnetic spectrum is more crowded than ever, and our systems have to be smarter about how they operate in it," said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. "With precise, software-driven control over where and how we radiate, we're taking an important step forward in how we use software‑defined apertures to keep pace with evolving mission demands."

Building on Raytheon's long-standing work in software‑defined apertures, this flexible, modular architecture delivers capability enhancements through software rather than hardware redesign. This approach allows radar performance to be adapted and expanded over time with greater speed, lower cost, and reduced risk.

Once the software development is complete, Raytheon will conduct a series of demonstrations to validate independent control of radar modules and associated capabilities such as multi-mission operation and spectrum sharing. Upon successful validation, the technology is expected to be transitioned into operational naval radar systems.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

About RTX
With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-raytheon-awarded-contract-to-further-develop-next-generation-software-defined-radar-capability-302771209.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What contract did Raytheon (RTX) receive from the Office of Naval Research in May 2026?

Raytheon, part of RTX (NYSE: RTX), received a contract to further develop advanced software for next-generation naval radars. According to Raytheon, the work focuses on software-defined apertures that enable independent control of radar modules for flexible, upgradable performance across multiple missions.

How will RTX's new radar software improve multi-mission capability for naval radars?

The software lets each radar building block operate independently, allowing a single system to perform multiple missions simultaneously. According to Raytheon, treating each module as a software-defined aperture enables rapid adaptation to changing operational needs while delivering enhancements through software updates instead of hardware redesign.

How does RTX's radar software enhance spectrum sharing with 5G networks for naval systems?

The software provides precise, software-driven control over where and how radar energy is radiated, aiding spectrum sharing. According to Raytheon, this helps next-generation naval radars better coexist within crowded frequency bands that also serve commercial networks such as 5G, addressing increasingly congested electromagnetic environments.

What is meant by software-defined apertures in RTX's next-generation naval radar work?

Software-defined apertures treat each radar component as a controllable, software-driven element rather than fixed hardware. According to Raytheon, this modular approach enables independent control of radar modules, supports multi-mission operation, and allows performance enhancements to be delivered through software updates over time.

What are the next steps for RTX's new naval radar software after development?

After development, Raytheon plans a series of demonstrations to validate independent radar module control and related capabilities. According to Raytheon, successful validation should allow the software-defined radar technology to be transitioned into operational naval radar systems for real-world deployment and use.

Why is RTX focusing on modular, software-driven architecture for naval radar development?

The modular, software-driven architecture aims to adapt and expand radar performance with greater speed and lower cost. According to Raytheon, delivering capability enhancements through software instead of hardware redesign also reduces risk and helps keep pace with evolving mission demands and spectral environments.