USA

Raytheon secures new US Army contract for TOW missile targeting system

Raytheon has been awarded a $72 million contract by the U.S. Army to provide sustainment and support services for the Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS), the primary targeting platform for the service’s TOW anti-tank missiles.

The ITAS is designed to detect, track, and engage armored targets, supporting all variants of the TOW missile. The system features second-generation Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors, an eyesafe laser rangefinder, and digital processing components, enabling effective operation in day, night, and adverse weather conditions.

Raytheon says the platform can integrate future missile upgrades, extending its operational life. It is employed by light infantry and early-entry units for long-range engagements in various environments, including urban and low-visibility settings. Key features include automatic boresighting, aided target tracking, and enhancements to the traversing unit, aimed at improving targeting speed and system reliability.

The contract will provide logistical, engineering, and maintenance support for ITAS-equipped units across the Army. The completion timeline was not disclosed. The TOW missile system, in service since the 1970s, remains a core U.S. anti-armor capability, with ITAS upgrades intended to maintain its relevance through digital integration and improved sensors.