RTX's Raytheon selected by DARPA to develop advanced maritime defense technologies
Rhea-AI Summary
Raytheon (NYSE: RTX) was selected by DARPA on Feb 2, 2026 to develop an advanced maritime sensing and targeting system for the Pulling Guard program.
The program will use tethered drones and electro-optical/infrared sensors with detection software and command-and-control to protect commercial and naval logistics vessels from threats such as unmanned surface vehicles. Phase one focuses on simulated engagements; phase two integrates operational launchers and effectors for live operations.
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Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
RTX gained about 0.53% while key aerospace and defense peers like LMT, GD, and NOC also showed modest gains, but no peers appeared in the momentum scanner and sector momentum is flagged as stock-specific rather than a broad move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 28 | Defense contract award | Positive | -0.9% | Award of $197M MS-110 reconnaissance system contract for Poland. |
| Jan 27 | Earnings and outlook | Positive | +3.7% | Strong 2025 results and 2026 guidance with higher sales and EPS. |
| Jan 21 | Support agreements | Positive | +0.6% | Three-year distribution deals for C-130 wheels and brakes. |
| Jan 14 | Space mission support | Positive | +2.5% | Blue Canyon minisatellite supplied for NASA’s Pandora mission. |
| Jan 7 | Mini‑tender warning | Negative | -2.5% | Company urged shareholders to reject below‑market mini‑tender offer. |
Recent news, especially contracts and program wins, has usually seen positive price alignment, with only one notable divergence.
Over the past month, RTX has reported several positive developments. A $197 million reconnaissance contract for Poland on Jan 28 was followed by a slight -0.9% move, but full-year 2025 results and 2026 outlook on Jan 27 saw a 3.68% rise. Other news included C-130 parts distribution agreements on Jan 21 and a Blue Canyon satellite contribution on Jan 14, both with gains. A negative mini‑tender offer on Jan 7 aligned with a -2.45% decline.
Regulatory & Risk Context
RTX has an effective S-3ASR shelf registration filed on 2025-09-18 and effective through 2028-09-18, allowing it to offer various securities as described in the prospectus. The filing is effective with 0 recorded uses so far, and specific offering terms would be detailed in future prospectus supplements.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights RTX’s Raytheon business expanding into advanced maritime defense for vulnerable shipping, adding to a series of recent contract and technology wins. The DARPA Pulling Guard program leverages EO/IR sensors, advanced detection software, and unmanned systems for real-time targeting. In the prior month, RTX reported strong 2025 financials and multiple defense wins, underscoring an active pipeline. Investors may watch for follow-on phases, operational deployment, and additional awards tied to this technology.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
New capability will protect vulnerable vessels from threats at sea
Under the contract, Raytheon's Advanced Technology team will design, build, and demonstrate a system that consists of Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, advanced detection software, and robust command and control capabilities to enhance situational awareness and threat response.
The system, which is being developed for DARPA's Pulling Guard program, will deploy the sensors via a tethered drone connected to a semi-autonomous unmanned platform that is towed by commercial and naval logistics vessels. The sensors will provide real-time target tracking data to remote operators, enabling them to make rapid, informed engagement decisions.
Phase one of the program will focus on simulated engagements to evaluate system performance and operator workflows. In phase two, the system will transition to integrating operational launchers and effectors for live operations.
"Through this development, we are advancing critical security technologies for commercial shipping in regions like the Red Sea," said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. "By integrating our proven expertise in command and control, high-performance sensing, and effectors, we will deliver a scalable, cost-effective solution that minimizes risks to both cargo and naval assets."
Beyond its primary focus of vulnerable ship protection, the technology Raytheon is developing has the potential to deliver broader capabilities across a wide range of naval and security operations, including automated overwatch for medium and large USVs and manned combatants operating in multiple theaters.
About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the
About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. 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
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.
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SOURCE RTX
FAQ
What did RTX announce about the DARPA Pulling Guard award on February 2, 2026?
How will the RTX system protect commercial shipping under the Pulling Guard program?
What are the planned phases and near-term timeline for RTX's Pulling Guard work?
What technologies will RTX provide for the DARPA Pulling Guard contract (NYSE: RTX)?
Will the RTX technology under Pulling Guard apply beyond vulnerable ship protection?
How does RTX describe the expected benefits of its Pulling Guard solution for shipping security?
