Defense News ,U.K :- MBDA, a leading defense contractor, has recently been awarded three contracts totaling around £400 million to strengthen and sustain the Sea Viper air defense system of the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers.
The contracts, collectively known as Sea Viper Evolution, aim to enhance the capabilities of the Type 45 Destroyers, specifically in defending the Carrier Strike Group against anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs). Additionally, another contract extends the in-service support (ISS) for Sea Viper for an additional five years.
MBDA is the prime contractor and design authority for the Sea Viper weapon system, encompassing the sensor (radar), command and control system, and the missile. These contracts mark a significant milestone, making Sea Viper the most advanced naval air defense system ever developed for the Royal Navy.
Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK, emphasized the historic significance of these contracts, stating, “These contracts will make Sea Viper the most capable naval air defense system ever developed for the Royal Navy in our 60-year history as the Navy’s primary air defense system supplier."
The Sea Viper Evolution project involves upgrading the Royal Navy's existing Aster 30 missiles with enhanced Block 1 warheads and new guidance and seeker software to effectively counter new anti-ship ballistic missile threats. This upgrade will maintain Sea Viper's world-leading anti-air warfare capability. The Type 45's Sampson multi-function radar and combat management system will also undergo upgrades as part of this initiative.
Moreover, Sea Viper Evolution includes an assessment phase exploring the integration of the new Aster 30 Block 1NT missile into the Type 45 destroyers. This phase will also consider further enhancements to the radar and the overall weapon system, ensuring cutting-edge capabilities against medium-range maneuvering and separating ballistic missiles.
Simultaneously, an extended ISS contract will leverage MBDA's innovative data-driven approach to optimize stockpile availability. This approach ensures that the Royal Navy has weapons readily available when needed, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Sea Viper air defense system.
The contracts not only bolster the Royal Navy's defense capabilities but also strengthen international collaboration, as the UK joins the Aster 30 Block 1 program in partnership with France and Italy through MBDA. This collaboration enhances the UK's ability to counter anti-ship ballistic missiles, showcasing the importance of global cooperation in advancing defense technologies.
——— End of Article ———
