USN exercises contract option for Over-the-Horizon Weapon System
USS Gabrielle Giffords fires a Naval Strike Missile. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Rodriguez Santiago)
Naval Sea Systems Command is exercising a contract option for Raytheon Missiles & Defense to manufacture and deliver the Over-the-Horizon Weapon System (OTH-WS).
The latest $99.53 million contract modification, to be completed by May 2024, includes ‘encanistered missiles loaded into launching mechanisms and a single fire-control suite’, the DoD announced on 17 May.
OTH-WS was announced in May 2018 with a total value of $847.61 million.
It is a long-range, surface-to-surface missile system intended to engage ships ‘both inside and beyond the radar horizon’, according to USN documents in the public domain.
The standalone OTH-WS requires minimal integration into host platforms. It comprises an operator interface console, the Naval Strike Missile and a launching system.
OTH-WS receives targeting data via tactical communications from combatant platforms or airborne sensors and requires no guidance after launch.
The USN plans to enhance its anti-surface warfare capabilities by integrating OTH-WS aboard vessels such as Littoral Combat Ships and Constellation-class guided-missile frigates.
This article was amended on 26 May after the DoD revised the contract option value
More from Naval Warfare
-
Indonesia commissions next KCR-60M missile boats and constructs new OPVs
Indonesian is building two OPVs, and two additional missile boats were recently commissioned as well.
-
MBDA, Italian Navy detail development of Teseo Mk2/E missile
The new missile, which incorporates land-attack capabilities, is the latest evolution of the Otomat/Teseo anti-ship weapon family and is set to replace the legacy Mk2/A version in service with the Italian Navy.
-
German and Indian shipbuilders vie for Project 75I submarine contract
Another twist has occurred in India's tortuous pathway to obtaining six AIP-equipped submarines, as Germany seeks pole position.
-
Italy marks progress on U212 NFS programme, as plans for next-gen submarines emerge
On 6 June at Fincantieri's Muggiano shipyard, steel was cut for the Italian Navy's second U212 Near Future Submarine (NFS).