Aegis Virtual Twin intercepts first target
The US Navy successfully executed the first live-fire engagement with the new Aegis Virtual Twin system, prototype of the Aegis virtual combat management system, from the USS Thomas Hudner off the coast of Virginia on 25 March.
During the exercise, the system fired an SM-2 missile against an incoming target, to validate its performance for controlling radars and missiles to execute an engagement.
Using virtualisation technology, the system is able to run the Aegis weapon system code in a fraction of the original hardware space. The Virtual Twin was installed on the Thomas Hudner in rugged cases. In future designs, the reduced size will free up ship board space, providing room to field increased capabilities.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls]()
How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
-
![“We must end the mentality of ever larger platforms”: Why USVs are scaling]()
“We must end the mentality of ever larger platforms”: Why USVs are scaling
Multiple USV programme milestones announced last week, aligned with a reinforcement of the Royal Navy’s vision for a hybrid fleet, point to innovation-led ambition but also to a structural calculation with resource ceilings that neither London nor Washington can ignore.
-
![As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging]()
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
![US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027]()
US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027
After recording a nearly six-year delay in the OPC schedule, the USCG intends to advance with the programme, reaching multiple milestones in the short term.
