U.S. Navy Warships to Get SEWIP EW Suite Upgrade

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin $50.6 million for Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) AN/SLQ-32(V)6 full rate production units.

The SEWIP is a development block upgrade program for the AN/SLQ-32(V) EW system offering incremental enhancements in capability. There are currently three established block upgrades and a fourth is planned.

SEWIP Block 1 provides enhanced EW capabilities to existing and new ship combat systems to improve anti-ship missile defense, counter targeting and counter surveillance capabilities. The upgrade addresses obsolescence mitigation through introduction of electronic surveillance enhancements (ESE) and Improved Control and Display (ICAD) as well as incorporation of adjunct receivers for special signal intercept including specific emitter ID (SEI) and high gain/high sensitivity (HGHS). The SEI and HGHS capability provides improved battlefield situational awareness. The SEWIP Block 1 program is designated as an acquisition category (ACAT) II program. Block 1A, Block 1B1, Block 1B2 and Block 1B3 (HGHS) are in Full Rate Production.

SEWIP Block 2 provides enhanced Electronic Support (ES) capability by means of an upgraded ES antenna, ES receiver and an open combat system interface for the AN/SLQ-32. These upgrades are necessary in order to pace the threat and improve detection and accuracy capabilities of the AN/SLQ-32. The SEWIP Block 2 program is designated as an ACAT II program. The SEWIP Block 2 Program achieved full rate production in September 2016.

SEWIP Block 3 will provide electronic attack (EA) capability improvements required for the AN/SLQ-32(V) system to keep pace with the threat. This block upgrade will provide a common EA capability to all surface combatants outfitted with the active variant of the AN/SLQ-32. SEWIP Block 3 development leverages technology developed under the Office of Naval Research's (ONR) Integrated Topside (InTop) Science and Technology (S&T) effort. The SEWIP Block 3 program is designated as an ACAT II program and is currently in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase.

SEWIP Block 4 is a future planned upgrade that will provide advanced electro-optic and infrared capabilities to the AN/SLQ-32(V) system.