DRS Laurel Technologies, part of Leonardo DRS, is awarded a $21,5 million modification to previously awarded contract to exercise options for production of the AN/SPQ-9B radar systems and associated equipment. 

According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), this modification is for the production of five AN/SPQ-9B radar systems; five combat interface kits; three digital signal processor upgrade kits; and three periscope detection and discrimination upgrade kits.

The AN/SPQ-9B provides Navy ships the capability to detect and track low-flying, high-speed, small Radar Cross Section anti-ship missile targets in heavy clutter environments. 

Work will be performed in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be complete by April 2021. 

According to DRS, the AN/SPQ-9B radar is an X-band, pulse-doppler radar that provides real-time acquisition and automatic tracking of multiple surface and air targets while maintaining surface detection, gunfire control and navigational capabilities.

The radar is designed to protect surface ships from a variety of threats like low-flying anti-ship cruise missiles, low- and slow-flying aircraft, UAVs, and helicopters.

The radar is deployed on aircraft carriers, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, cutters and a number of other vessels.

The AN/SPQ-9B radar has digital interfaces to the Aegis combat systems, the MK 34 Gun Weapon System (GWS), the MK 48 GWS, and Cooperative Engagement Capability/Ship Self Defense System.