U.S. Navy, Japan to Equip Warships with Lockheed Martin’s Electronic Warfare Systems

Lockheed Martin has secured a $113 million contract from the Naval Sea Systems Command to produce electronic warfare systems, specifically the AN/SLQ-32(V)6 and AN/SLQ-32C(V)6 models for the U.S. Navy and Japan.

This represents the first international sale of these shipboard electronic warfare systems, designed to enhance capabilities for detecting and identifying threats at sea. This move aims to improve the operational effectiveness of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force while fostering better coordination with the U.S. Navy in the strategically important Western Pacific region.

The work is expected to be completed in October 2026.

Currently, these systems are deployed on many Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers and will soon be integrated into nearly all U.S. Navy surface combatants, including Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). The U.S. Coast Guard will also utilize these systems on its Offshore Patrol Cutters.

Since transitioning from development to full-rate production in September 2016, the systems have enhanced naval capabilities with improved frequency coverage and protection against electronic interference, all while aiming to reduce life cycle costs through a flexible design.