USS Abraham Lincoln completes CSSQT
US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, successfully completed testing of its self-defence system (SSDS) capabilities during Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) on 7 December.
During trials, the ship demonstrated its ability to safely and effectively operate onboard weapons systems. In addition to the close-in weapons system (CIWS), Abraham Lincoln fired one RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) and one RIM-116 test Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM). Each missile successfully intercepted subsonic, sea-skimming UAS targets.
The ESSM is a semi-active missile requiring a feed from operators to locate a target. The RAM is a passive missile that uses built-in sensors to track down its target. The ship’s ENSSMS holds eight missiles per launcher, and the RAM launchers each hold 21 missiles.
CSQTT also demonstrated the mission-readiness of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. The Abraham Lincoln CSG is comprised of Carrier Air Wing 7, Destroyer Squadron 2, associated guided-missile destroyers, flagship Abraham Lincoln and the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies]()
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
![Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress]()
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
![Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200]()
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
