Miles Jamison 
- The radars provide launch early warning, object characterization and space activity tracking
- Raytheon will help create a common open architecture with the Space Force and industry
- The program will deliver prototypes before rapid fielding at the remaining locations
Raytheon will work with the U.S. Space Force to modernize existing radar sites under the Ground-Based Radar Digitization, or GBRD, program. The RTX business said Thursday the effort is intended to sustain the systems’ operational capabilities.
Sam Deneke, president of air & space defense systems at Raytheon, said converting the radars to digital systems is key to keeping pace with global threats that continue to grow in complexity. He added that the company’s technical approach will let new capabilities reach the field more quickly, helping the Space Force “extend the performance and mission utility of these strategically important sites.”
What Is the GBRD Program?
GBRD is a Space Force initiative to digitize legacy ground-based radars, which warn of missile launches and track activity in space, into digital systems built on a shared architecture and design. According to a 2025 sources sought notice, five upgraded early warning radar sites and a perimeter acquisition radar attack characterization system site fall under the effort.
The notice said digitization is meant to give the service sharper battlespace awareness through greater tracking capacity, longer range and better object classification. The work is also meant to resolve obsolescence and sustainment problems.
In July, the Space Force awarded three firm-fixed-price other transaction agreements, totaling $423.4 million, to Raytheon, SciTec Innovations and WildStar to develop a standard architecture and design for the radar modernization effort. Raytheon’s agreement is valued at $309.5 million, while SciTec’s and WildStar’s are worth $93.7 million and $20.2 million, respectively.
What Will Raytheon Do Under GBRD?
Under the GBRD program, Raytheon will develop prototypes and establish a shared technical design for modernized radar systems before deploying the updates at the remaining sites. The company will also work with the Space Force and industry partners to establish an open architecture intended to simplify future upgrades, streamline maintenance and reduce reliance on individual vendors.
