UK targets late 2020s for Type 45 ballistic missile defence
Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender fires an Aster missile. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
The UK has said it will be the first country in Europe to operate a maritime ballistic missile defence (BMD) capability that can detect and destroy anti-ship ballistic missiles through an upgrade to the RN's fleet of Daring-class Type 45 destroyers.
Under the Sea Viper Evolution Programme, the UK will join the OCCAR Aster Block 1 programme in a tri-nation agreement with France and Italy.
Plans will see the conversion of existing Aster missile stocks in the UK to the Aster 30 Block 1 standard, plus software updates to the Sampson multi-function radar (MFR) and Sea Viper
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Coast Guard starts construction of first Waterways Commerce Cutter
By replacing capabilities that are more than 60 years old, the Inland Construction Tenders will support the building, repairing and maintaining of fixed aids to navigation.
-
France and Sweden sign defence roadmap as Naval Group positions FDI frigate for Swedish surface ship programme
A pact signed at the Paris Air Show has seen Sweden turn to the French FDI frigate to lead its next-gen surface combatant fleet amid shifting security dynamics in the Baltic Sea.
-
US Navy moves quickly with uncrewed vessels and industry follows
The US Navy (USN) is evolving into a hybrid fleet with uncrewed systems supporting crewed vessels and companies working to provide new solutions. In the case of Ocean Aero, its Triton uncrewed surface vessel can also be used underwater.