British arms and security company BAE Systems has signed a contract with American defense company Lockheed Martin to produce next-generation missile seekers for the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), the company announced.
BAE’s next-generation seeker technology gives the LRASM the ability to detect and engage maritime targets in contested environments without the need for traditional navigation systems.
The $117 million contract will provide missile support for the navy and air force along with US allies through foreign military sales. The contract also includes research, development, testing, and evaluation.
Effectiveness and Affordability
With the new seeker technology, BAE Systems promises lower costs, combining effectiveness with affordability.
“We’re committed to providing affordable systems that deliver unmatched capabilities to the U.S. and its allies,” said Bruce Konigsberg, Radio Frequency Sensors product area director at BAE Systems. “We’ve designed efficient seeker systems that are easier to build and test without compromising on performance.”
To achieve lower costs, BAE has used its new seeker technology to replace obsolescent and limited-availability parts. A “less complicated” manufacturing process also helped in reducing costs.