US coastal patrol ships test Griffin missiles
US Navy coastal patrol ships assigned to Patrol Coastal Squadron (PCRON) One have carried out proficiency fire testing of their MK 60 Griffin Missile Systems (GMS) from July 18-20 in the Arabian Gulf.
Five coastal patrol ships - USS Tempest, USS Squall, USS Chinook, USS Firebolt and USS Thunderbolt - launched surface-to-surface Griffin missiles at moving target sleds to demonstrate their ability to hit surface targets, such as small boats.
At sea testing for the GMS began in March 2012, with the GMS programme declared operational following live-fire tests on PCRON One's ships in March 2014. The GMS has since been rolled out over PCRON One's ten vessels.
The inclusion of the GMS to the coastal patrol ship's arsenal provides a greater depth of capability to counter threats.
The participating ships are five of the ten patrol ships forward deployed to Manama, Bahrain, assigned to Task Force 55, which is responsible for all surface forces in the US 5th Fleet area of operations, to include US Navy coastal patrol ships and US Coast Guard cutters.
More from Naval Warfare
-
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.