The U.S. Navy depends on its electronic-warfare (EW) systems to keep pace with technology. One such system is the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 2, which is an upgrade to existing AN/SLQ-32(V) EW systems. The latest improvements involve enhancements to receivers and antennas to achieve the sensitivity needed to track current threats even when immersed in noise. To maintain a technological edge, the Navy recently awarded Lockheed Martin a $184 million firm-fixed-price modification to exercise options for full-rate production of SEWIP Block 2 systems.
As part of a SEWIP Block 2 system contract, Lockheed Martin will upgrade AN/SLQ-32 systems on U.S. Navy vessels.
“We are honored to continue to provide this critical fleet defense capability that our warfighters rely on while they perform their mission worldwide,” said Joe Ottaviano, Integrated Electronic Warfare program director, Rotary and Mission Systems. “Threats are changing and evolving faster with advanced technologies and the SEWIP system will give the U.S. Navy the advantage of remaining one step ahead of our adversaries.”
Under this full-rate production contract, Lockheed Martin will continue providing and upgrading the AN/SLQ-32 systems on U.S. aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other warships. Lockheed Martin was awarded an initial $148.9 million contract in 2016 by the Navy for full-rate production of SEWIP Block 2 systems, with four additional option years to keep pace with evolving threats. The firm has supported the U.S. Navy with SEWIP Block 2 development, production, and engineering services since 2009.
