How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
The Royal Thai Navy's future frigates will be fitted with Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine's full Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS) the company announced on 15 September.
The company has been issued a contract to supply a full IBS system to the navy through the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering shipyard, with options for three additional systems. The company is expected to deliver the system in June 2016.
The IBS incorporates the VisionMaster FT family of products and navigation systems, including the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR), Warship Automatic Identification System, NAVIKNOT speed log, and NAVIGAT X MK1 gyrocompass.
Additionally, the company has also been selected to supply X and S-band radars, a VisionMaster FT Electronic Chart Display and Information System, a speed log and gyrocompass systems to the Royal Thai Navy's patrol boat currently under construction.
Jeanne Usher, managing director, Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine, said: 'These latest orders validate the outstanding relationship built over many years between Sperry Marine and the Royal Thai Navy. Our Warship Electronic Chart Display and Information System (WECDIS) is designed to support the operational requirements of the modern navy and provide navigation teams with an integrated electronic navigation picture. This reduces navigator workload and improves situational and tactical awareness for the ship's crew.'
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
France, Germany and Italy lead the way on unawarded naval defence opportunities that could be awarded this year, but across Europe countries are ramping up their spending efforts to face geopolitical challenges.
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
RTX’s solution for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme is intended to provide advanced maritime defence technologies to protect platforms against uncrewed surface vehicles and other threats.
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.