In an era of rapidly advancing defence technologies, Raytheon continues to be a global leader in air and missile defence solutions. With decades of expertise and innovation, the company remains at the forefront of protecting nations from evolving threats. As the defence industry adapts to modern challenges, Raytheon has showcased its latest advancements at IDEX 2025, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing security and military capabilities worldwide.
To gain deeper insights into Raytheon’s vision and technological innovations, “Al-Jundi” Journal interviewed Joseph DeAntona, Vice President of Requirements & Capabilities – Land and Air Defence Systems at Raytheon, engaging in the following discussion:
Tell us a bit about yourself, your experience, and the products you have presented at IDEX 2025
I am a 30-year veteran of the US Army, specifically in Army Air Defence. I served in the Patriot missile units as well as other air defence capabilities like Stinger and the THAAD missile system. After retiring from the Army, I joined Raytheon, and now, after nearly a decade here, I am responsible for the integrated air and missile defence portfolio globally, with a strong focus on the Middle East.
Speaking of the Middle East, which countries are currently operating Raytheon systems?
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait are among the primary operators of our systems. Egypt also operates Raytheon’s Hawk system, though not the Patriot missile system.
What are the key products you showcased at IDEX 2025?
We highlighted two major products at IDEX 2025. First, we showcased advancements in the Patriot missile system, particularly the new 360-degree Lower Tier Air and Missile Defence Sensor (LTAMDS). This next-generation radar significantly enhances Patriot’s capabilities, allowing full 360-degree coverage against aerial threats. It has recently undergone final certification with the U.S. government and is now available to all Patriot operators, including those in the Middle East.
Secondly, we introduced the Coyote missile, a counter-drone solution designed to address the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Coyote is an affordable, highly effective kinetic and non-kinetic system capable of neutralising hostile drones, whether used for surveillance or carrying explosive payloads.
Is the Coyote missile system exportable, and has it been certified?
Yes, the Coyote missile is fully certified by the U.S. Army and is already in combat operations. It is available for export, and we anticipate significant interest from regional partners, given the increasing threats posed by drones.
Were deals signed at IDEX 2025 for these systems?
Absolutely. There is a high demand for the LTAMDS radar among existing Patriot customers, and the Coyote missile system is also generating considerable interest. Given the evolving threat landscape, we believe these solutions will play a crucial role in strengthening regional defence capabilities.
Does Raytheon have plans for knowledge transfer and training programmes with regional partners?
Raytheon has longstanding partnerships in the region, including two established local subsidiaries—one in Saudi Arabia and one in the UAE. These facilitate knowledge exchange and support local defence initiatives. While the specifics of training programmes are determined at the government level, we are committed to providing expertise and training, whether in the U.S. or within the region.
Does Raytheon support the integration of women into defence technology roles?
Women play a significant role in our operations, from engineering to field operations. We fully support their inclusion in the defence sector and welcome Emirati engineers—both men and women—into training programmes.
Are there any special collaborations with universities in the region?
We sponsor Emirati students and partner with Abu Dhabi University to promote STEM careers. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to fostering innovation and technical expertise in the region.
What is next for Raytheon in the Middle East over the coming years?
Our primary focus is ensuring the successful deployment of LTAMDS and Coyote systems. We are also exploring opportunities to produce certain technologies locally to meet increasing demand. Raytheon is committed to enhancing air and missile defence capabilities in the region and will continue working closely with our partners to achieve that goal.
» Interviewed by «ALJUNDI »
