USN contracts out support for SBX-1
SBX-1 missile defence radar, docked at Pearl Harbor for scheduled maintenance in 2009. (Photo: (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Wallace Ciccarelli)
Private vessel to aid refuelling and resupply of missile defence radar platform in the Pacific Ocean.
The Togo-flagged offshore support vessel Hercules is to support refuelling and resupply of the Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX-1) for US Pacific Command, under a minimum 12-month contract modification from USN Military Sealift Command for Great Eastern Group.
This $9.13 million modification, announced on 13 August, includes three 12-month options and a single 11-month option.
The SBX-1 missile defence radar was deployed for the first time in 2006. In June 2021, Shephard reported that the floating AESA radar station is being upgraded with a redesigned and environmentally friendly cooling system.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
