Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Sen

The Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense (AMD) program is a crucial part of the Army's efforts to strengthen its air and missile defense capabilities. This initiative focuses on developing and deploying the Lower Tier Air Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), which offers advanced sensing capabilities for surveillance and fire control within the Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense (AIAMD) system. The main goal of LTAMDS is to enhance sensor and radar performance, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the PATRIOT Advanced Capability (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) Interceptor in addressing threats.

Aligned with the Army's Air and Missile Defense Modernization priority, the program supports the work of the Air and Missile Defense Cross Functional Team (AMD CFT). In fiscal year 2025, it plans to transition into production after achieving Milestone C, with intentions to produce four Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) sensors along with necessary ancillary equipment. This transition signifies a notable increase in resources from previous years, indicating a move from development to production.

Raytheon, based in Andover, MA, has been contracted for manufacturing these sensors. The production schedule anticipates that deliveries will begin in September 2027. The procurement strategy includes advance procurement to secure parts needed for assembly into higher-level modules, helping to mitigate potential obsolescence issues as production increases.

The Lower Tier AMD program represents a strategic effort to enhance national defense by improving the Army's capacity to detect and respond effectively to missile threats. By integrating advanced sensor technologies into existing defense systems, this program aims to provide a robust defensive capability that can adapt to evolving threats in the ballistic missile defense environment.