RTX’s BBN Technologies secured a DARPA contract on February 25 2026 under the X‑ray Extreme‑range Non‑imaging Analysis (XENA) program to develop algorithms that can reconstruct the hidden geometry of man‑made objects from distances approaching one kilometer. The technology will give commanders situational awareness when close access is unsafe or denied.
The XENA program tackles the challenge of sparse, low‑quality data at long ranges, using advanced mathematical modeling and image analysis to turn a handful of grainy snapshots into actionable imagery. The goal is to enable battlefield reconnaissance and emergency response, allowing service members to detect concealed threats, weapons, or structural vulnerabilities from previously unreachable ranges.
While the contract’s financial value was not disclosed, the award signals DARPA’s confidence in RTX’s expertise in advanced sensing and reinforces the company’s position as a key partner for cutting‑edge defense research. The project could open further opportunities in national‑security markets and strengthen RTX’s portfolio of high‑technology defense solutions.
RTX’s leadership highlighted the strategic importance of the contract. Joshua Fasching, BBN principal investigator, noted that “Long‑range X‑ray imaging requires a fundamentally different approach. We are developing algorithms that turn a small number of grainy snapshots into enough detail for decision‑makers to act, whether the mission is assessing potential threats or supporting emergency response operations.” The contract aligns with RTX’s broader focus on next‑generation sensing technologies and positions the company to leverage future DARPA investments.
Market reaction to the announcement was modest, with a slight uptick in pre‑market trading. Analysts view the contract as a positive development that could broaden RTX’s defense portfolio, though the limited stock movement suggests the news did not dramatically alter the company’s valuation on the day of the announcement.
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