First Flight III destroyer for US Navy introduces innovative radar capabilities
Fourteen Flight IIIs have been funded (DDG 125 to DDG 139) under US Navy budget allocations through to 2022. In August 2023, a further 10 Flight III destroyers were contracted (DDG 140 to DGG 149), with procurement taking place from FY2023 to FY2027. (Photo: US Navy)
The commissioning of the US Navy’s first new Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) has led to the introduction of a host of new capabilities that will become operational at sea for the first time.
Among these developments has been the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) built by Raytheon. The SPY-6 can simultaneously conduct Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) while also tracking aircraft and surface vessels with a longer detection range compared to previous radar systems. This has provided the navy with further offensive capability by offering more time to react to threats and enabling more offensive
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.