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AN/SPY‑6 Radar

AN/SPY‑6 Radar

Manufacturer: Raytheon Technologies
Category: Radar Systems
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Full Specifications

1. General Information

2. Technical Specifications

3. Functional Capabilities

4. Physical & Operational Characteristics

5. Software & Processing

6. Operational History

7. Export / Compliance Data

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Stealth Capability 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10

AN/SPY‑6 Radar (AMDR) – Next‑Gen Naval Defense

The AN/SPY‑6, also known as the Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), is the U.S. Navy’s cutting-edge shipborne radar system designed to meet the increasing demands of modern surface warfare. A cornerstone of next-generation fleet protection, SPY‑6 brings unprecedented sensitivity, modularity, and advanced processing to the fight.

Manufactured by Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a division of RTX, the SPY-6 family originates in the United States and is engineered specifically for naval air and missile defense. Its primary mission is to defend against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and surface threats—all simultaneously.

Major Capabilities

Scalable Architecture: Built from modular building blocks known as Radar Modular Assemblies (RMAs), each a self-contained 2′ × 2′ × 2′ unit, the radar can be configured for different ship classes.
High Sensitivity: Using gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology, SPY‑6 offers up to +15 dB sensitivity over legacy SPY‑1 radars — meaning it can detect targets half the size at twice the distance.
Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA): Provides multi-beam capability and beam steering for fast, simultaneous tracking of numerous threats.
Dual-Band Suite: Combines an S-band radar for volume search and missile discrimination with an X‑band radar for horizon search, precision tracking, and target illumination.
Robust Integration: Works with the Aegis Combat System (ACB‑20), enabling tight integration with U.S. Navy surface combatants.

Operational Use

SPY‑6(V)1 is being deployed on Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyers. The system has been tested at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii, where it demonstrated long-range missile tracking and multi-threat discrimination. The modular design also supports variants such as (V)2 for amphibious ships, (V)3 for carriers, and (V)4 for back-fit on older destroyers.

Powerful, flexible, and future-proof, the AN/SPY‑6 radar family represents a leap forward in maritime defense technology, equipping the U.S. Navy with the ability to detect and respond to evolving threats in high-threat environments.

AN/SPY‑6 Radar Price

As of now, publicly available cost data for a single AN/SPY‑6 radar unit is limited due to its complex integration with warships and classified procurement nature. Procurement contracts are negotiated at the ship‑system level, so there is no standalone “off‑the-shelf” retail price.

FAQs

What is the AN/SPY‑6 radar used for?

 It is a multi-function naval radar used by the U.S. Navy to detect and track air, surface, and ballistic missile threats simultaneously.

Who manufactures the SPY‑6 radar?

 It is developed and manufactured by Raytheon Missiles & Defense, part of RTX Corporation.

On which ships is the SPY‑6 installed?

 The AN/SPY‑6(V)1 variant is installed on Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyers; other variants are intended for amphibious ships, carriers, and older destroyers.

How is SPY‑6 different from older radar like SPY‑1?

 SPY‑6 uses modular Radar Modular Assemblies (RMAs), GaN transmit/receive modules, and AESA architecture, offering vastly higher sensitivity (+15 dB), more simultaneous tracking, and longer detection range than SPY‑1.

Is SPY‑6 exportable to other countries?

 Yes, exportability is designed in. The system has export-friendly features, though it remains controlled under U.S. defense export regulations.

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Range & Endurance:

8
Stealth Capability:

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Technology:

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