USN orders enhanced undersea warfare hardware
AN/SQQ-89(V)15 system consoles aboard USS Momsen. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James Evans)
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems is to deliver upgraded hardware to the USN for the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) combat system suite, the DoD announced on 20 July.
Under the latest $80.24 million contract modification from Naval Sea Systems Command, the company will provide Technical Insertion-20 AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 systems plus AN/SQS-53C transmitter infrastructure shipset hardware.
In addition to the USN, recipients will include Australia under the FMS programme. Shephard Defence Insight notes that Japan and Poland also operate the system.
The open-architecture AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 undergoes software upgrades every two years and Technology Insertion hardware upgrades every four years.
AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 is the primary undersea warfare system for USN surface vessels such as Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers, and it is also equipping the new Constellation-class frigates.
The system employs active and passive sonar to conduct ASW searches. Received acoustic energy is processed and displayed to support operator detection, classification, localisation, and tracking of threat submarines.
AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 also uses passive sonar to provide early warning of threat torpedoes.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.