Military Technology 04/2021

to remain relevant and be force multipliers – for starters. In one instance, the Navy views modernisation of destroyers as critical to enhance the multi-mission warfighting capabilities of these ships to address emerging threats. Current modernisation activities focus on improving the com- bat system with advanced ballistic missile defence and integrated fire control capability, as well as hull, mechanical, and electrical upgrades. NAVSEA’s Koehler noted the Navy is evaluating an expanded Destroyer Modernization programme to incorporate increased radar and electronic warfare capability. “Along with these upgrades, we’re committed to le- veraging advances in directed energy technology – including high-energy lasers – to deepen shipboard magazines and increase survivability. Today, the first increments of these systems are installed on several DDGs and more will be installed in the near future. Future ships, such as DDG(X), are envisioned to be delivered with space, weight, power, and cooling margins to continue to flexibly accept increased capabilities throughout their [service] lives, to stay on the cutting edge of their warfare missions.” New Ship Classes More significant, beyond modernisation, the US Navy is also investing in major new classes of vessels. In a nod to its heritage, dating back to 1775, officers and sailors will continue to take these ships into Harm’s Way. While the Navy’s Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) acquisition strategy and other programmes are gaining increased visibility in media outlets, Sea services around the globe are developing and fielding unmanned surface ships and their onboard systems, with much-heralded, albeit incremental, successes. Lost in these high-profile activities is the continued strength of navies’ manned surface ship portfolios. New ship classes are being built, or are quickly moving into early acquisition phases. At the same time, the technology baselines of onboard systems, from propulsion through sensors to weapons, are advancing to collectively allow manned vessels to remain relevant well beyond this decade. A glance at the quick-paced developments in the manned surface ship sector is provided through the lens of one service, the US Navy, and randomly selected industry suppliers whose customers are in the US and beyond. A Balanced Force Navy programme offices are delicately balancing and advancing a two- part, future force structure strategy: to advance the state of the art and the capabilities of unmanned ships and, at the same time, increase the lethal- ity and other readiness attributes of manned classes through moderni- sation and fielding new ship classes. Jamie Koehler, a spokesperson in the Office of Corporate Communication at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), managed the expectations of observers of the surface navy sector, noting that while change is on the service’s horizon, manned ships will be vital to fleets well into the future. In the near-term, the composition of the US Navy surface force is un- likely to change much from that of today. Koehler noted at the onset that unmanned systems continue to advance in capability, and it is anticipat- ed they will likely mature to become key enablers through all phases of warfare and in all warfare domains. “These systems are now included in wargames, exercises, and limited real-world operations. Lessons learned from prototyping and technology development will help refine require- ments to support future program of record vessels […] The mix of manned and unmanned vessels will continue to evolve as the Navy experiments with unmanned systems, moving them beyond their current prototype/ conceptual stage, and continuously assess their place in the battle force.” In the longer term – and consistent with the findings of recent force structure assessments the Navy will generate a balanced, hybrid fleet that includes undersea, surface, air, aircraft carriers, and expeditionary land forces. Modernisation Modernising the future force is one of the pillars of the US Tri-Service Maritime Strategy. Efforts to enhance the fleet will allow manned ships Marty Kauchak Manned and Ready 8 · MT 4/2021 THEME: Naval Warfare Manned ships have in many cases become force multipliers, with sensor packages, including Hensoldt’s TRS-4D non-rotator radar onboard a F125 frigate (pictured), allowing one ship to team with other manned and even unmanned units, extending situational awareness for the battle force. (Photo: Hensoldt AG) Lockheed Martin’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system will make manned ships increasingly lethal against new and emerging threats in the rapidly evolving battlespace. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)