Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Sen

The Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Sensor (LTAMDS) Program is a key component of the Army's air and missile defense modernization efforts, as reflected in Line Item 7265C12000 of the FY2026 Department of Defense budget. The primary goal of the LTAMDS program is to deliver advanced sensing capabilities for the lower tier of the Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense (AIAMD) battlespace. The program aims to enhance surveillance and provide fire control quality data against ballistic missile threats. Managed by the Army, LTAMDS supports the Air and Missile Defense Cross Functional Team (AMD CFT), aligning with broader strategic priorities for missile defense modernization.

For FY2026, the LTAMDS program requests funding to procure four Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) sensors and associated ancillary equipment. The increase in base discretionary procurement dollars from FY2025 to FY2026 is justified by the ramp-up in production and initial fielding activities. This reflects the Army's commitment to accelerating the deployment of these advanced sensors.

LTAMDS manufacturing is the principal procurement activity under this line item, with Raytheon (Andover, MA) as the prime contractor. The contract method is Single Source/Fixed Price Incentive Fee (SS/FPIF), managed by the Army Contracting Command Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA). In FY2025, two LTAMDS units are scheduled for delivery, followed by four units in FY2026. The unit cost for FY2026 sensors reflects economies of scale and production efficiencies as the program transitions from initial to expanded fielding.

In addition to hardware procurement, the LTAMDS budget includes funding for interim contractor support, common support equipment, initial spares, repair parts, production engineering, and quality assurance. These support elements are essential to ensure the successful integration, sustainment, and operational readiness of the LTAMDS sensors as they are fielded to Army units.

The objectives of the LTAMDS program are to maximize the performance of the PATRIOT Advanced Capability (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) interceptors by providing improved radar and sensor capabilities. The system is designed to detect, track, and discriminate a wide range of aerial threats, including advanced ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems. By delivering fire control quality data, LTAMDS enables more effective engagements and enhances the survivability of defended assets and forces.

Production planning and delivery schedules indicate that the Army will continue to procure and field LTAMDS sensors in subsequent years, with Raytheon maintaining manufacturing responsibilities. The procurement lead time for initial orders is approximately 40 months, reflecting the complexity of the system and the need for rigorous testing and quality assurance prior to fielding. The program's acquisition strategy is structured to balance cost, schedule, and performance, with ongoing oversight to ensure alignment with Army modernization goals.