SPY-6 backfit upgrades for Nimitz-class aircraft carriers to start in 2026

The SPY-6 is the latest shipborne radar developed and manufactured by RTX, and deliveries have already begun for installation on the U.S. Navy’s newest Aegis destroyers and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. One of its key features is the ability to adjust its size according to the ship it is mounted on and the required capabilities. The SPY-6 forms a large radar antenna by combining small radar units called Radar Modular Assemblies (RMAs), each a 60 cm (1-foot) cube. By changing the number of RMAs, the size of the radar can be freely adjusted. Depending on the number of RMAs, there are several variations of the SPY-6.

For example, the latest version of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, Flight III, is equipped with the “SPY-6(v)1,” which consists of 37 RMAs. The SPY-6(v)1 is currently installed on the USS Jack H. Lucas, which was commissioned in 2023. For amphibious assault ships and transport vessels, the rotating “SPY-6(v)2” made up of 9 RMAs is used. The SPY-6(v)2 is mounted on the USS Richard M. McCool Jr., which was just commissioned in September 2024. The new Constellation-class frigates and the second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, John F. Kennedy, will be equipped with the fixed 3-face “SPY-6(v)3,” which also uses 9 RMAs. Additionally, the “SPY-6(v)4,” which consists of 24 RMAs, will be installed as part of the upgrade to the Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA destroyers. This version will replace the current SPY-1 radar installed on Aegis ships, significantly improving detection range and maintainability.

According to an RTX representative talking to Naval News, “backfit modernization” will be gradually carried out in the future. This involves replacing the radars currently installed on operational vessels with the SPY-6. The program includes replacing the SPY-1 radar with the SPY-6(v)4, as mentioned earlier, as well as replacing the AN/SPS-48 and AN/SPS-49 radars on Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers with the SPY-6(v)2. Regarding the SPY-6(v)4, the first ship to undergo the modernization will be the USS Pinckney, which will enter the upgrade process in 2026, and return to service in 2028.

Currently, four Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA destroyers, including the USS Pinckney, are scheduled to receive an upgrade to the new electronic warfare system, the AN/SLQ-32(v)7, before the SPY-6(v)4 installation. However, for subsequent ships, both the SPY-6(v)4 radar and the AN/SLQ-32(v)7 system will be installed during a single upgrade. According to USNI News, USS Sterett (DDG-104) will be the first destroyer to receive all electronic warfare, radar and combat system upgrades under the service’s Destroyer Modernization 2.0 program in a single availability period within the next five years.

SPY-6(v)2 on Nimitz-class carriers

Naval News understands the installation of the SPY-6(v)2 on Nimitz-class carriers will begin with the USS John C. Stennis. The ship is currently undergoing a major overhaul, including the refueling of its reactors, known as the “Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH).” The SPY-6(v)2 will be installed during the final phase of this process in 2026. After that, each Nimitz-class carriers undergoing RCOH will progressively have the SPY-6(v)2 installed.

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