System expected to equip USCG HERITAGE-class cutters

Lockheed Martin completed the construction of the first two examples of the AN/SLQ-32(V)6C Block-2 ship-borne Electronic Warfare (EW) system for the US Navy. The system is being procured via the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Programme (SEWIP) which is working to upgrade the Raytheon AN/SLQ-32 EW system equipping all major US Navy surface combatants. Initial deliveries of the AN/SLQ-32(V)6C Block-2 system are expected to equip the US Coast Guard’s HERITAGE-class offshore patrol cutters, according to reports.

The news follows disclosures on 12 January that the additional funds will be spent by the US Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command, which supervises the AN/SLQ-32 SEWIP effort, to correct as yet unresolved deficiencies in the system. These were highlighted by declassified report published by the US Department of Defense in December 2017 which underscored a number of shortcomings regarding the AN/SLQ-32 SEWIP initiative to date such as problems experienced with the Block-2 segment of the work which was tasked with upgrading the electronic support antenna and receiver of the AN/SLQ-32 ensemble so as to enhance the system’s electronic support capabilities.

Thomas Withington