Schumer: Air Force Contract Will Allow Saab Sensis Employees to Develop & Produce Next- Gen Innovative Radars to Protect, Aid U.S. Troops Overseas

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the U.S. Air Force (USAF) has awarded a major contract to produce next generation Three Dimensional Long Range Radars (3DELRR) for U.S. troops overseas to Raytheon, with Saab Sensis in Syracuse as the main sub-contractor. Now, Saab Sensis will help develop and manufacture these radar systems at its plant in Onondaga County. The first phase of this contract is worth $19,502,764 and USAF has authorized spending of up to $71.8 million over the next 4 years. This contract will ultimately allow Saab Sensis to help develop and produce this radar system. Schumer said that the contract could be worth $1.3 billion over the course of 10 years. Thirty five of these radar systems will be developed, manufactured and deployed around the world as a result of this contract. Schumer said that these new generation ground-based radars are mobile, long-range and function as ballistic missile defense. Schumer also said this contract is expected to create approximately 100 local jobs in Onondaga County and support the 400 workers already employed at Saab Sensis' Syracuse plant. Schumer said this contract will allow Saab Sensis to hire new workers and focus like a laser on developing and producing these next generation radars, which will not only aid in protecting U.S. troops overseas but also spur greater economic development for the entire Central New York region.

"The Air Force's decision to build a significant portion of the 3DELRR system right here in Syracuse is excellent news for the local economy, for Saab Sensis and its workers, and the safety of our troops abroad. The folks at Saab Sensis are dedicated, talented and perfectly equipped to build this important system," said Schumer. "This radar will be a tremendous asset for our armed forces and will help create over one hundred good-paying jobs here in Syracuse. Federal contracts like this are incredibly important to the entire Syracuse economy, and I will always go to bat for our talented workers."

Schumer explained that this contract is a significant economic development opportunity for Onondaga County and the entire Central New York region. This contact is expected to create approximately 100 jobs at Saab Sensis' Syracuse plant. Saab Sensis will act as a sub-contractor for the Massachusetts-based company Raytheon, which was a finalist competing to secure this contract. Over the next ten years, Saab Sensis will help to further develop this next generation radar and procure an additional 3 radars for a total of 6 systems so that they can be deployed to U.S. troops around the world.

As a result of this contract, Saab Sensis and Raytheon's 3DELRR system will now serve as the principal ground-based, long-range radar system of the USAF. These radar sensors will be utilized for detecting, identifying, tracking, and reporting aircraft and missiles for the USAF. This system will replace the USAF's current AN/TPS-75 air surveillance radar system, as the 3DELRR will be able to extend air surveillance and better detect airborne threats. Schumer explained that these major improvements will allow the USAF to receive early warnings, and therefore better prepare, for threats from other aircraft and ballistic missiles.

Source