The massive phased-array early warning radar at Thule AB, Greenland, that Raytheon is upgrading successfully tracked a satellite for the first time in its new configuration during a recent operational space surveillance mission, the company announced yesterday. This event was an important milestone as the upgraded radar progresses towards operational status, the company said. Raytheon is adding leading-edge electronics, computer hardware, and mission software to increase the radar’s ability to detect and track ballistic missiles so that it may support ballistic missile defense missions. The upgraded radar will continue to serve in additional roles, such as tracking space objects.
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…