Скачать или смотреть U.S. Army Launches $4.2 Billion PSST Program for New Surveillance Aerostats | Defense News 2024

The U.S. Army has officially launched a $4.2 billion competition to create a new class of reconnaissance aerostats, designed to expand its airborne surveillance and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) capabilities.

Ten leading defense contractors — including Raytheon, QinetiQ, Leidos, TCOM, Skyship Services, and Advanced Technology Systems — have been selected to participate in the Persistent Surveillance Systems–Tethered (PSST) program.

This major initiative will develop high-altitude, long-endurance aerostat platforms equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and advanced radar systems. These systems will provide continuous 360° coverage for both domestic and overseas operations, enhancing the Army’s ability to detect, track, and respond to modern aerial threats — including stealth aircraft and drones.

The program gained urgency after the 2023 Chinese high-altitude balloon incident, which highlighted vulnerabilities in U.S. airspace monitoring. Development is scheduled to begin in 2025, reinforcing America’s commitment to maintaining superior situational awareness and strategic ISR dominance.

🔹 Key Details:

Program value: $4.2 billion

Initiative: Persistent Surveillance Systems–Tethered (PSST)

Companies: Raytheon, QinetiQ, Leidos, TCOM, Skyship Services, Tyton Technical Services, and others

Purpose: Modernize U.S. Army ISR and airspace surveillance

Capability: 15,000 ft altitude, long-endurance, multi-sensor observation

Context: Response to evolving geopolitical and aerial threats

This next-generation surveillance effort marks a new era in Army intelligence modernization, merging