US tests the newest QUICKSINK maritime weapon variant in the Norwegian Sea
The low-cost, anti-ship, precision-guided 500lb class capability was launched by a USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
Target intercept screen. (Photo: Sperry Marine.)
Navigation solutions provider Sperry Marine has debuted Additional Military Layers (AMLs) for its VisionMaster radar and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS).
The AMLs allow defence users to utilise Sperry’s commercial radars on small and large vessels.
Sperry Marine Radar and Chart Displays global line manager Christophe Rios said: ‘In recent years, navies have had to balance performance requirements against tight budgetary control at a time when the scope and number of missions has increased.’
Sperry said combining the navigation functions from VisionMaster with ‘enhanced features’ offering military functionality at a lower total cost than existing naval systems.
Enhancements designed for naval operations include a ‘Red First Strike’ functionality that immediately indicates fast-moving targets such as aircraft and fast attack craft. A ‘Target Intercept’ feature allows operators to plan and execute intercept manoeuvres.
A ‘Freeze Frame’ function lets an operator display a frozen picture of a radar situation taken before implementing radar silence.
The low-cost, anti-ship, precision-guided 500lb class capability was launched by a USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.