Northrop Grumman Begins Production for Game-Changing EW Capability
Northrop Grumman announced on 24 January it has received authorisation to proceed with the low rate initial production (LRIP)of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 3 systems, following a successful Milestone C decision for the SEWIP Block 3 AN/SLQ-32(V)7 programme.
Milestone C is a government-led review to assess a programme’s performance and readiness to enter the production and deployment phase. The successful Milestone C decision for SEWIP Block 3 recognises the accomplishments of the Northrop Grumman/US Navy team in demonstrating the capability of this ground-breaking electronic warfare (EW) capability.
“Milestone C approval and the start of LRIP are significant milestones for the SEWIP Block 3 programme,” explained the Navy’s Major Program Manager of Above Water Sensors, Capt Seiko Okano. “SEWIP Block 3 is a critical capability that the Fleet needed yesterday to face the evolving anti-ship cruise missile threat. We must continue to push to deliver this critical electronic warfare improvement to the Fleet on schedule and cost.”
SEWIP Block 3 is the third in a series of block upgrades of the AN/SLQ-32 EW system, which provides the electronic attack (EA) capability improvements required to face the evolving anti-ship missile threat. Northrop Grumman has provided expertise to the legacy AN/SLQ-32 EW system for over four decades. With the Navy elevating the electromagnetic spectrum as a warfighting domain, SEWIP Block 3 is a cornerstone capability that will meet the urgent operational needs of the Navy in that domain. It provides “game changing improved capability for non-kinetic electronic attack options,” according to the company.
“The relentless commitment of the US Navy Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) and Northrop Grumman team in developing this revolutionary electronic attack capability will dramatically assist our Fleet in pacing 21st century threats,” commented Vice President and General Manager, Navigation & Maritime Systems Division, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Ingrid Vaughan.
