US Navy extends Aegis modernisation contract
The US Navy has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin that will continue the modernisation of its Aegis naval combat hardware and software, the company announced on 4 September.
The ten-year contract with Lockheed Martin marks the next phase of integrating the combat system onboard the navy's fleet, and it is worth around $428 million with all options exercised.
In the next phase of the Ship Integration & Test programme, the company will integrate the Aegis system onboard new Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. It will also modernise destroyers and cruisers to operate the latest iteration of the Aegis configuration, Baseline 9.
Baseline 9 enables ships ro simultaneously defend against airborne threats such as cruise or aircraft missiles as well as intercept ballistic missiles.
Chris Minster, SI&T senior program manager, Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training, said: ‘When a ship goes into harm’s way, the combat system must work 100% of the time – there is no margin of error. Whether it is designing a system for a brand new ship or working hand-in-hand with sailors pierside, Ship Integration and Test is there to deliver.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
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]()
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]()
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.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
