Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
General Dynamics Electric Boat is building a tenth Block V Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) for the USN, under a $2.42 billion contract modification announced on 19 March by the DoD.
The SSN will include the Virginia Payload Module for Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Work will be carried out by Electric Boat and principal subcontractor Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding, with a planned completion date of February 2030.
The first Block V Virginia-class submarine is scheduled for delivery in FY2025.
In December 2019, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) awarded a nine-boat Block V contract for Electric Boat. That $22.2 billion contract covers procurement from FY2019 to FY2023.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that nine of the ten Block V boats will be equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) for launching Tomahawk cruise missiles.
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Virginia Class Attack Submarine (SSN 812 - SSN 822)
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.
The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.