Internationale ontwikkelingen maritiem

[Parera]

Iris-T SLM is planned to be integrated into VLS for naval vessels



The German air defense specialist Diehl Defense sees additional potential for its surface-to-air missiles in applications in the maritime environment. As a spokesman for hartpunkt confirmed, the Iris-T SLM surface-to-air missile, which is currently being used with great success in Ukraine, is now to be integrated into a Vertical Launching System (VLS). The extended-range Iris-T SLX, which is still in development, and the future hypersonic defense missile based on the Iris-T will be designed from the outset for use from ships and firing from a VLS, as previously reported. Only the Iris-T SLS for short range is no longer considered for such a scenario.

Due to the performance data of the Iris-T SLM SLM - the SLM stands for Surface Launched Medium Range - which the manufacturer states with a range of around 40 km and an altitude coverage of up to 20 km, the weapon would be suitable as armament for naval ships that do not have missiles for air defense on the scale of an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM). However, it is also conceivable that the Iris-T could be carried alongside the ESSM. The prerequisite for this is the presence of a VLS.

Integration into Vertical Launching System
Diehl is currently working on integrating the Iris-T SLM into Lockheed Martin's Mk 41 vertical takeoff system. The starter is probably the most widely used system of its kind in the world. The German Navy also uses the Mk 41. The VLS Sylver is also used, especially in Europe, and is particularly used by the French and Italian navies.

According to Diehl circles, the governments have already given the green light for the use of the Mk 41. Discussions between the two companies are now underway at a specialist level. According to Lockheed Martin, the VLS is fundamentally open to the integration of non-US missiles such as the French-Italian Aster or the Israeli Barak. The VLS is available in different versions. For large missiles such as the Tomahawk cruise missile or an SM-3, the Strike variant is required, while the so-called Tactical Module should be sufficient for the Iris-T SLM.

Lockheed Martin wants to navalize PAC-3 MSE
Lockheed itself is taking a similar approach to Diehl and has already undertaken simulation tests with its PAC-3 MSE air defense missile in the Mk41 starter that it manufactures. According to the company, modifications were made to the PAC-3 MSE in order to achieve compatibility with the VLS and the Aegis command and weapon deployment system (FüWes). Last June, Lockheed Martin validated the missile's ability to communicate with the Aegis guidance system and a data link with the SPY-1 radar. For this purpose, the dual-band data link of the PAC-3 MSE has been expanded to a tri-band data link in order to communicate in the S-band. The US Navy's Aegis system and SPY-1 radar are designed to use the S-band.

A launch from a ship is still imminent in the coming months. So far, the PAC-3 is only used on the Patriot air defense system. The guided missile is guided by the C2 software supplied by Patriot manufacturer Raytheon, which will be replaced in the USA in the future by ICBS from the defense company Northrop Grumman. In the upcoming "hot" launch from a ship, however, the rocket will be controlled by Aegis, which was also developed by Lockheed Martin. Aegis is reportedly also set for the German Navy's future F127 frigates.

The PAC-3 is also used by the Patriot units of the Bundeswehr and was intended as the main weapon for the Tactical Air Defense System (TLVS), in which the Iris-T SLM played the role as a secondary weapon. With the use of a ship, Lockheed Martin said it would open up an additional field of application for the PAC-3 MSE, which is optimized for defense against ballistic missiles with a so-called hit-to-kill warhead. According to the defense company's ideas, the US Navy could cover key capabilities and close capacity gaps by using the PAC-3.

This would increase the magazine depth for the using navy if the inventory of missiles specifically designed for use at sea, for example for missile defense, were to decrease quickly due to a conflict and production of these weapons cannot be ramped up in the short term.

Lockheed Martin says it is currently in the process of expanding PAC-3 production. Currently, the production line can produce 550 PAC-3 MSE per year, the company writes in a statement. This number should be increased to 650.

Another example of the navalization of surface-to-air missiles - but this time for the short range - is the Israeli Iron Dome system. This has been modified in recent years by the manufacturer Rafael for use at sea and is known as the C-Dome The most modern Israeli corvettes of the Sa'ar-6 class have been integrated into their own VLS. The ships have 40 cells of the C-Dome VLS. A few days ago, on April 8th, a ship of this class succeeded in shooting down a drone flying towards the port city of Eilat in the Red Sea for the first time, as the Israeli armed forces announced.

Diehl apparently assumes that an Iris-T can be integrated into the VLS Mk41. The expenses for this are likely to lie primarily in the one-off costs for proof and qualification. Finally, the Iris-T must also be able to launch safely if the launch system is mixed with other missiles - according to the VLS manufacturer Lockheed Martin, a wide range from the ESSM, SM-6 to the ASROC is integrated. This requires extensive investigations.

However, the use of an Iris-T SLM at sea also requires integration into a command and weapon deployment system. The guided missile is guided to the target area by the radar, and in the "end game" the Iris-T itself takes over the target acquisition with its passive infrared seeker head. The latter is rarely used for missiles for use from ships, as fog and clouds can limit performance - or so the theory goes. However, due to the combat use of the Iris-T SLM in Ukraine for more than a year under all conceivable weather conditions, Diehl experts assume that this effect does not occur.

The company also apparently sees no problems with taking off from a ship that is lurching due to heavy seas. After all, the Iris-T SLM is derived from an air-to-air missile that must be launched under high physical stress.

Advantages in logistics
Using the Iris-T SLM for the Navy would bring a number of logistical and training advantages for the Bundeswehr, as the weapon will also be used by the Air Force. In addition, it is an ITAR-free product whose further development could focus on national interests and national sovereignty. Due to the higher overall requirement for a ship application, expanded production could also result in economies of scale and thus cost savings.

What is important - especially given the high consumption of guided missiles to defend against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea - is the greater magazine depth for the German armed forces. According to press reports, there could possibly be bottlenecks in the procurement of SM-2 missiles for the Sachsen-class frigates. Among other things, because these have to be tailored to the special features of the German fire control radar.

In order to provide sufficient ammunition for the units at sea, Diehl can imagine another concept: the use of Iris-T SLM on ideally unmanned escort ships that are assigned to high-value units such as the Class 124 air defense frigates and carry a large number of missiles . The missiles are then instructed and guided by the frigates' sensors. 

The Dutch Navy is already pursuing such a project, which wants to procure two small ships with few crews. These should have a larger number of containerized air defense missiles and accompany the Dutch Navy's combat ships at a distance of just a few kilometers. With the help of these magazine ships, volleys of incoming missiles can also be repelled in an emergency, or so the Dutch imagine. Apparently it has not yet been decided which missiles should be equipped on the ships.

https://www.hartpunkt.de/iris-t-slm-soll-in-vls-fuer-marineschiffe-integriert-werden/

[Harald]

Lockheed Martin invests in PAC-3 MSE integration for Aegis weapon system

As maritime threats evolve, it's critical for naval forces to update their defensive technologies. The inclusion of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) into naval operations reflects an effort to address this need by providing a means to counter complex threats.

The combination of the PAC-3 MSE with the Aegis Weapon System signifies a strategic advancement in naval defense capabilities. This integration aims to augment the defensive posture of naval forces, enabling them to effectively counter complex threats, including those specifically designed to bypass naval defenses.

Technological investments have been made to ensure the PAC-3 MSE's compatibility with existing naval defense systems, including the MK41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) and the Aegis Weapon System. A significant milestone was achieved with the successful test of the PAC-3 MSE's upgraded communication capabilities with the Aegis Weapon System, facilitated by an enhancement to its datalink. This modification allows for communication at frequencies compatible with Aegis. A forthcoming live-fire test is expected to further demonstrate this capability.

Overview of PAC-3 MSE
The PAC-3 MSE is designed to intercept and neutralize a diverse array of airborne threats through direct impact, utilizing Hit-to-Kill technology. This capability is pivotal in addressing tactical ballistic missiles, advanced aircraft, and other threats, providing a critical layer of defense for naval operations.

Aegis Weapon System
Serving as a cornerstone of naval defense for the U.S. Navy and international allies, the Aegis Weapon System is a comprehensive combat system offering integrated air and missile defense capabilities. Its adaptability and continuous evolution through software and system upgrades enable it to remain at the forefront of maritime defense technology, effectively countering emerging threats.

MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS)
The integration of the PAC-3 MSE into the Aegis Weapon System necessitates its compatibility with the MK41 VLS, a foundational element of naval defense architecture. The MK41 VLS is recognized for its reliability and versatility in missile launching, contributing to the overall efficacy and resilience of maritime defense operations.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2024/april/14236-lockheed-martin-invests-in-pac-3-mse-integration-for-aegis-weapon-system.html

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Ik heb het ook niet over de LPX/ATS maar over de vervangers van de mercuur, peli en HOV's.

Ook die zullen onderhands in NL worden aanbesteed, Danen kan, maar ligt gezien de soort schepen niet direct voor de hand, deze kunne ook prima in Noord Nederland gebouwd worden.

[Parera]

Je vraag mag je stellen en onmiddellijk weer vergeten, de aanstaande LPX'en of hoe we ze ook gaan noemen zullen onderhands worden aanbesteed.

De hoofdaannemer kan je zelf verzinnen, of deze 6 schepen zelf zal gaan bouwen of dat één, meerderen of allen bij één of meerdere onderaannemers gebouwd zullen worden is dan weer vraag twee.

Ik heb het ook niet over de LPX/ATS maar over de vervangers van de mercuur, peli en HOV's.

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Voor zover ik weet loopt dit nog.

Of zou Fassmer willen meedingen naar de NL support schepen vervanging met enkele van deze ontwerpen?

Je vraag mag je stellen en onmiddellijk weer vergeten, de aanstaande LPX'en of hoe we ze ook gaan noemen zullen onderhands worden aanbesteed.

De hoofdaannemer kan je zelf verzinnen, of deze 6 schepen zelf zal gaan bouwen of dat één, meerderen of allen bij één of meerdere onderaannemers gebouwd zullen worden is dan weer vraag twee.

[Parera]

Loopt de tender nog of is er al een winnaar bekend?

Voor zover ik weet loopt dit nog.

Of zou Fassmer willen meedingen naar de NL support schepen vervanging met enkele van deze ontwerpen?

[Harald]

Japan Completes First Stage Of JS Kaga Modification To Operate F-35B

The JMSDF Chief Announced At The Press Conference On April 2 That The Completion Of The First Special Modification work on the Izumo-class destroyer Kaga as planned.

.../...

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/04/japan-completes-first-stage-of-js-kaga-modification-to-operate-f-35b/

[Ace1]

Duitse ontwikkelingen/ideeen voor Multi-roll schip Duitse Marine, wordt in onderstaande afbeeldingen als een MMV kl. 405 (Marine Mehrrollen Versorger = Marine Multi-roll Bevoorrader) aangeduid.
Het lijkt wel een doorontwikkeling van een ontwerp van Fassmer, een combi tussen MPV110 en MPV120 + vergroot, zeg maar een MPV135




Fassmer MPV110


Fassmer MPV120


https://www.fassmer.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads_SB_Bro_Defence.pdf 

Loopt de tender nog of is er al een winnaar bekend?

[Harald]

Duitse ontwikkelingen/ideeen voor Multi-roll schip Duitse Marine, wordt in onderstaande afbeeldingen als een MMV kl. 405 (Marine Mehrrollen Versorger = Marine Multi-roll Bevoorrader) aangeduid.
Het lijkt wel een doorontwikkeling van een ontwerp van Fassmer, een combi tussen MPV110 en MPV120 + vergroot, zeg maar een MPV135




Fassmer MPV110


Fassmer MPV120


https://www.fassmer.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads_SB_Bro_Defence.pdf 

[Parera]

Nieuwe Amerikaanse fregatten jaren vertraagd

Het Amerikaanse project rondom de nieuwe guided-missile fregatten heeft al in een vroeg stadium te maken met een flinke vertraging. Het eerste schip van de Constellationklasse zou in 2026 opgeleverd moeten worden, maar deze datum is inmiddels opgeschoven naar 2029. De fregatten zijn bovendien niet het enige vertraagde schip dat op de werf van Fincantieri gebouwd wordt.

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Nieuwe-Amerikaanse-fregatten-jaren-vertraagd-050424.html

Ik blijf het bijzonder vinden dat de Yanks een Europees ontwerp als basis kiezen en deze kunnen aanpassen tot 85% overeenkomst met de originele schepen. Nu blijkt het dat dit slechts (minder dan) 15% overeenkomst te zijn door alle Amerikaanse aanpassingen. Ze ontwerpen dus eigenlijk een compleet nieuw schip. Want 20% van het ontwerp moet nog worden afgerond. Met nog eens een vertraging van 3 jaar   voor slechts 4 fregatten gaat dit het volgende Amerikaanse probleem dossier worden als het zo door gaat.

[Harald]

French Navy Sets Out Steps To Reach Seabed Warfare Goals

Read Admiral Chetaille tells Naval News about the French Navy's seabed warfare strategy and the steps to build this key capability.

.../...

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/04/french-navy-sets-out-steps-to-reach-seabed-warfare-goals/

[Harald]

New Details On Fincantieri's 'PPA Frigates' Programme For Indonesia

The 1.18 billion Euro contract signed on 28 March between the Indonesian Ministry of Defence and Fincantieri for the delivery, within the framework of collaborative relations initiated by the Italian Ministry of Defence, of the two "PPA frigates" - as the ships are called for their capable combat system - represents a significant development in the strategic partnership between the shipbuilding group and Indonesia, and in the company's presence strengthening in the South-east Asian region, as remarked by Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. He signed the contract in the presence of Dario Deste, General Manager of the Naval Vessels Division.

.../...

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/04/new-details-on-fincantieris-ppa-frigates-programme-for-indonesia/

[Harald]

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Technisch-probleem-Harpoon-Deens-fregat-040424.html

Problemen Harpoon-raket Deens schip, scheepvaart bij Denemarken stilgelegd

Het zit de Deense marine niet mee. Enkele dagen nadat bekend werd dat het Deense fregat Iver Huitfeldt met technische problemen kampte in de Rode Zee, waardoor het tijdelijk geen raketten kon lanceren, is er nu een probleem aan boord van een zusterschip. Tijdens een test binnenliggend aan boord van de Niels Juel staat de booster van een Harpoon op scherp. Het gevaar is dat de Harpoon gelanceerd wordt en daarom is het scheepvaartverkeer in een deel van de Grote Belt afgesloten.

afsluiting van het lucht- en zeeverkeer opgeheven

Het technische probleem deed zich voor tijdens een verplichte test waarbij per ongeluk de zogenaamde booster werd geactiveerd, aldus het ministerie. Specialisten werden gealarmeerd en arriveerden rond 18.00 uur aan boord. Ze konden het probleem oplossen en om 20.00 uur alles veilig geven.

https://www.kn-online.de/schleswig-holstein/ostsee-sperrung-im-luft-und-seeverkehr-wegen-rakete-daenischer-fregatte-TZUHXF7IJREFTALP6T7EZRSCGQ.html

[Sparkplug]

Four Stealthy AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles Flew Together In "Historic" Test

Two F/A-18E/F Super Hornets fired the quartet of AGM-158C missiles, a reflection of how these weapons would be employed in actual combat.

by Joseph Trevithick | PUBLISHED Apr 4, 2024 1:04 PM EDT


A rendering of four AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) in flight. Lockheed Martin

The U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin recently conducted a test in which a pair of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets launched four AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles, or LRASMs, which then flew on simultaneously. Described as "historic," this appears to be a first-of-its-kind event and one that is more representative of how these weapons would be employed in combat, especially in a future higher-end conflict, compared to just launching a single missile at a time.

Lockheed Martin announced the completion of the quadruple AGM-158C test, which is the 12th integrated flight test event for LRASM, or ITE-12, yesterday. The company said that the test was a success, but did not say where or when it had taken place specifically.

.../...


A US Navy F/A-18F test et carrying an AGM-158C (in black under the right wing) among other stores. Lockheed Martin

https://www.twz.com/air/four-stealthy-agm-158c-long-range-anti-ship-missiles-flew-together-in-historic-test

[Master Mack]

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Technisch-probleem-Harpoon-Deens-fregat-040424.html

Problemen Harpoon-raket Deens schip, scheepvaart bij Denemarken stilgelegd

Het zit de Deense marine niet mee. Enkele dagen nadat bekend werd dat het Deense fregat Iver Huitfeldt met technische problemen kampte in de Rode Zee, waardoor het tijdelijk geen raketten kon lanceren, is er nu een probleem aan boord van een zusterschip. Tijdens een test binnenliggend aan boord van de Niels Juel staat de booster van een Harpoon op scherp. Het gevaar is dat de Harpoon gelanceerd wordt en daarom is het scheepvaartverkeer in een deel van de Grote Belt afgesloten.

What the F.. zijn ze gehackt of zo