The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has contracted MBDA to outfit six Type 45 Destroyers with Maritime Ballistic Missile Defence detect and destroy capability.
The 300 million pounds ($375 million) Sea Viper Evolution project will make the Royal Navy the first European naval operator of the counter anti-ship ballistic missile system.
The upgrade covers “converting existing missiles to the Aster 30 Block 1 standard, as well as updates to the SAMPSON multi-function radar and Sea Viper command and control missile system,” the MoD stated.
Aster Missile Marine Version
The land-based Aster 30 Block 1 missile currently deployed by France and Italy will be developed into a maritime version under the contract.
The Block 1 version will feature a Ku-band seeker allowing for the ‘neutralization’ of ballistic threats at up to 600 kilometers (373 miles), including targets with a “lower radar cross section,” MBDA claims.
“This demonstrates the UK commitment to delivering a cutting-edge maritime Air Defense Capability,” Defense Equipment & Support CEO Sir Simon Bollom said.
” Sea Viper Evolution will deliver a significant uplift in capability and brings to a close many years of detailed planning and activity by the Maritime Air and Weapons team in DE&S.”