Raytheon is to perform Phase 3 tasks for DARPA on the Multi-Azimuth Defense Fast Intercept Round Engagement System (MAD-FIRES) programme, under a $32.49 million contract modification announced by the DoD on 31 August.
This modification brings the total cumulative value of the MAD-FIRES contract to $100.33 million.
The Raytheon team will focus on seeker development and performance during the 27-month Phase 3 baseline programme.
Work is scheduled to be completed by November 2022.
‘Raytheon proposes to make performance enhancements to the successful Phase 2 projectile and develop a functional demonstration illuminator and engagement manager to engage and defeat a representative surrogate target,’ the DoD noted.
The MAD-FIRES interceptor has been designed to provide USN ships with the ability to defend themselves against multiple wave threats such as anti-ship missiles and UAV swarms.
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The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.
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