USN Examines Utility for Anti-Ship Missile Defence

Northrop Grumman has successfully demonstrated key components of its future Ultra-Lite Electronic Attack (EA) prototype system in collaboration with the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the company announced on 10 January.

Conducted aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer during the USN’s recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the demonstration showed the efficacy of the scaled-down EA system for anti-ship missile defence. “This at-sea demonstration proves Northrop Grumman’s future low-size, weight and power, scaled EA solution can effectively support US Navy missions,” observed Monta Harrell, Director, Maritime EW Advanced Solutions. “The lessons learned from the RIMPAC exercise provide real-world insights into our low-risk architectural solution for smaller ships that will revolutionize EA for the US Navy.”

Additional concept demonstrations are being conducted this month to further prove the reliability and scalability of the system.