MDA Seeks Industry Information for Future AN/TPY-2 Missile Defense Radar Production.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has initiated a search to identify potential industry partners capable of supporting the production and future upgrades of the Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model 2 (AN/TPY-2) radar. This radar system is a crucial component of the Missile Defense System (MDS), and the MDA's Request for Information (RFI) aims to evaluate the capabilities of companies that can meet the agency's evolving needs.
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AN/TPY-2: Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance (Picture source: Raytheon)

The AN/TPY-2 is a sophisticated missile defense radar designed to detect, track, and discriminate ballistic missiles. It operates in the X-band of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing it to clearly identify targets and distinguish between real threats and non-threats, such as launch debris. This radar plays a critical role in countering the growing threat of ballistic missiles, providing reliable defense against a range of missile threats.

The AN/TPY-2 operates in two distinct modes: Forward-based mode and Terminal mode. In Forward-based mode, the radar detects ballistic missiles shortly after launch. In Terminal mode, it guides interceptors toward descending missiles, ensuring the neutralization of the threat. Notably, in Terminal mode, the AN/TPY-2 radar leads the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system by guiding the THAAD missile to its target. The radar has a proven track record of flawless performance against all classes of ballistic missiles.

According to a notice from the MDA's Ground Sensors Directorate, the agency is exploring sources capable of managing the production of AN/TPY-2 radars, components, spares, and fleet refurbishment activities. Additionally, the agency seeks to identify potential upgrades that could enhance the radar's capabilities, including improved digital control and processing, expanded detection and tracking abilities to counter emerging threats, increased field of view, greater power and sensitivity, and enhanced self-defense capabilities.

The RFI emphasizes that it is intended solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a request for proposal (RFP) or a commitment to establish a contract. The MDA will not accept proposals at this stage and will not provide feedback on submissions. The agency also clarifies that participation in this RFI does not guarantee involvement in future procurement opportunities.

In addition to production and upgrade capabilities, the MDA seeks information on technical support, systems engineering, integrated logistics, and program management functions necessary to maintain and sustain the AN/TPY-2 radar systems. The RFI highlights the need for expertise in mitigating obsolescence, hardware redesign, technology integration, and refurbishment efforts.

Respondents to the RFI are encouraged to provide details on their experience with X-Band radar capabilities, manufacturing processes, system integration, testing, and production of AN/TPY-2 radar components. They are also invited to discuss risk mitigation strategies, particularly in areas such as production learning curve impacts, failure analysis, and adherence to MDA Mission Assurance Provisions (MAP) and Parts, Materials, and Processes (PMP) compliance.