Raytheon develops new targeting system for Navy helicopters

Raytheon, an RTX business, has introduced a new variant of its Multispectral Targeting System (MTS), designed to enhance visual performance and targeting capability for U.S. Navy helicopters operating in maritime environments.

According to a press release from the company, the new system—designated MTS-A HD—offers improved imaging clarity, targeting precision, and operational flexibility. The system is intended for deployment across naval helicopter platforms and is positioned as a modular, cost-efficient solution for current and future needs.

“This next-generation variant delivers improved targeting precision, imaging clarity, and expanded operational flexibility for naval helicopter platforms,” Raytheon said. The company is working closely with industry and commercial partners to expedite production and manage system costs.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

In a statement, Bryan Rosselli, president of Advanced Products & Solutions at Raytheon, emphasized the importance of the system’s enhanced visual capabilities. “Navy helicopter pilots need the clearest possible view when flying in hostile areas,” he said. “Our new high-definition sensor system provides aircrews with superior visual capability, allowing them to make faster and more informed decisions when it matters most.”

The MTS-A HD builds on Raytheon’s established MTS sensor family, which is already fielded on more than 400 U.S. Navy helicopters. Company officials say the system’s modular architecture enables seamless upgrades and integration, creating a streamlined path for improving the performance of current fleets without requiring full system replacement.

As noted by Raytheon, the MTS-A HD variant is intended to serve both new production aircraft and legacy platforms through incremental upgrades. The system supports a variety of mission types, including surveillance, targeting, and threat identification—particularly in maritime environments where visibility and reaction time are critical.

The company also confirmed strong international interest in the new system. According to Raytheon, the MTS-A HD is drawing attention from allied nations including Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, India, Norway, Greece, Spain, and South Korea, along with emerging defense markets in both Europe and Asia.

Raytheon has not disclosed specific timelines for fielding or export deliveries but indicated that work on the system is proceeding in close coordination with U.S. Navy stakeholders and international partners.

Readers who wish to follow our weekly coverage can subscribe to the Weekly Defense Roundup.

If you wish to report a grammatical or factual error in this article, please let us know by using the online form.

Executive Editor

Support The Defence Blog

Independent reporting takes resources. Join us on Patreon.

Become a patron

More Like This

X-Bow pushes rocket motor output past 1,100 units

X-Bow Systems said Monday it has delivered more than 1,100 solid rocket motors, a sharp production milestone for a U.S. defense market trying to...

U.S. Navy tests 3D-printed fix to get fighter jets flying faster

Engineers at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest built a 3D-printing method that lets sailors repair cracked composite...

Colorado engineers tapped to help design U.S. Air Force’s rocket cargo system

A two-person engineering firm in a small Colorado town just picked up a $4.3 million contract to help the Air Force answer a question...

U.S. Space Force funds system that warns troops about incoming missiles

Northrop Grumman secured a $49 million contract from U.S. Space Systems Command to provide sustainment services for the Joint Tactical Ground Station, a network...

Boeing wins $50M to extend AGM-86 nuclear cruise missile

Boeing secured a $49.5 million contract from the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center on June 30, 2026, to remanufacture the electronic flight controllers and...