DARPA Selects Raytheon to Build Next-Generation Maritime Defense Systems

A new sensing and targeting system aims to protect commercial and naval vessels from unmanned attacks at sea.

Raytheon, an RTX business, has been selected by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop a next-generation maritime defense system designed to protect vulnerable ships operating in high-risk waters. The initiative focuses on defending commercial shipping and naval logistics vessels from emerging threats, particularly unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) that are increasingly used in modern conflicts.

As part of DARPA’s Pulling Guard program, Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team will design and demonstrate a new sensing and targeting capability that improves how threats are detected, tracked, and addressed at sea. The system combines electro-optical and infrared sensors withadvanced software  and command-and-control tools, giving operators a clearer, real-time picture of what’s happening around their vessels.

What sets the technology apart is how it is deployed. Sensors will be carried by a tethered drone linked to a semi-autonomous unmanned platform towed behind ships. This setup allows vessels to see potential dangers from a safer distance and respond faster, without putting crews at unnecessary risk.

The program will move forward in two phases. The first will test the system in simulated environments to refine performance and operator workflows. The second phase will introduce live operations by integrating real-world launchers and defensive systems.

“We are advancing critical security technologies for commercial shipping in regions like the Red Sea,” said Colin Whelan, President of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, noting that the solution is designed to be scalable and cost-effective.

Beyond protecting supply ships, the technology could support broader naval missions, including automated monitoring for both unmanned and manned vessels across multiple operational theaters marking a significant step forward in modern maritime defense.