V2X Secures $62 Million Contract to Sustain Powerful COBRA DANE Radar in Alaska

Defence technology leader V2X Inc. has landed a significant $62 million contract to continue maintaining and enhancing the COBRA DANE radar system, a critical U.S. Space Force asset located at Eareckson Air Station on Shemya Island, Alaska. This contract highlights V2X’s long-standing role in ensuring the continuous performance and technological advancement of one of the most sophisticated radar systems in America's defence arsenal.

Standing at an impressive 120 feet tall with a 95-foot-wide phased-array radar face, the COBRA DANE system has the capability to detect and track objects over 2,000 miles away. Its high-powered radar can observe both ballistic missile activity and orbital movements in space, contributing significantly to the U.S. ballistic missile defence shield and space domain awareness.

Originally commissioned in the 1970s, the COBRA DANE radar has since evolved into a cornerstone of national security, now operated by the U.S. Space Force. It provides real-time data on missile launches, satellite behavior, and space debris—helping protect critical infrastructure and monitor potential threats in both atmospheric and space environments.

“V2X has been the trusted partner in ensuring the continuous operational readiness of COBRA DANE,” said Jeremy C. Wensinger, President and CEO of V2X. He also emphasized the company's efforts in integrating engineering upgrades to extend the radar's capabilities even further.

The radar’s advanced phased-array technology allows it to scan large areas of the sky quickly and efficiently without the need for moving parts, making it highly reliable and efficient for round-the-clock surveillance.

The newly awarded contract will be in effect until March 2027. During this time, V2X will provide full-spectrum mission support—encompassing system sustainment, technical upgrades, and ongoing operations support. This commitment ensures that COBRA DANE remains at peak performance, providing early warning and surveillance essential for both missile tracking and space situational awareness.

In a rapidly evolving global threat landscape, V2X’s ongoing support of COBRA DANE reinforces the radar’s status as a key player in protecting U.S. interests both on Earth and in space.