Raytheon, a business of RTX, has been awarded a $197 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to supply its advanced MS-110 Multispectral Reconnaissance System to the Polish Air Force.
The contract includes the production, aircraft integration, and engineering support for seven MS-110 reconnaissance pods. Poland becomes the first NATO member and the fourth air force globally to acquire this cutting-edge capability, strengthening its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The MS-110 system represents a significant leap in airborne reconnaissance technology. Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, the system can rapidly process and interpret imagery across multiple spectrums, including day and night, wide-area, and long-range surveillance. This enables near real-time analysis, enhancing mission effectiveness and decision-making.
Dan Theisen, President of Advanced Products and Solutions at Raytheon, emphasized that the MS-110 pushes next-generation processing to the tactical edge. The system is designed to detect and counter camouflage and decoys, providing a decisive advantage in complex operational environments where traditional systems may fall short.
Unlike legacy reconnaissance systems, the MS-110 offers multispectral imaging with comprehensive ground coverage across multiple bands. This allows for improved detection, identification, and tracking of targets over extended ranges, significantly enhancing situational awareness and intelligence gathering.
The system is highly versatile and compatible with a wide range of platforms, including advanced fighter aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, special mission platforms, and medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial systems. This flexibility ensures seamless integration into diverse operational frameworks.
Work on the contract will be carried out in Westford, Massachusetts, with completion expected by August 2031. The programme highlights Raytheon’s continued leadership in advanced ISR technologies and its role in supporting allied nations with next-generation defense capabilities.
Overall, the acquisition of the MS-110 system will significantly enhance Poland’s reconnaissance capabilities, enabling faster, more accurate intelligence gathering and strengthening its contribution to NATO’s collective defense posture.
