Japan to Be First International Customer of Lockheed’s SEWIP

Lockheed Martin will provide full-rate production of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) to the US and Japan.

The US Naval Sea Systems Command awarded the defense company a $113-million modified contract that includes a foreign military sale to its East Asian ally to receive the SEWIP Block 2 AN/SLQ-32(V)6 and AN/SLQ-32C(V)6 systems.

Tokyo is the first international partner to receive the same advanced shipboard electronic warfare system used by the US Navy for threat detection and identification, increasing its defense capabilities and interoperability with Washington. 

“With this first purchase in Japan, we are setting the stage to continue to expand this key technology around the globe for an improved network of electronic surveillance, enabling US, allied and partner forces to continue to evolve and outpace modern threats,” vice president of Spectrum Convergence, Lockheed Martin Rotary & Mission Systems Deon Viergutz said. 

Work will be performed in Liverpool, New York and Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by October 2026.  

Enhanced Defense

Established by the US Navy in 2002, the SEWIP modernizes the AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare suite currently installed on US naval ships with each block upgrade.

The electronic warfare capability protects surface ships from threats such as anti-ship missiles and radar jamming through its early detection, analysis, and threat warning features. 

Currently, there are three established block upgrades, with a fourth planned to provide advanced electro-optic and infrared capabilities. 

The Block 1 upgrade, made by General Dynamics, introduced electronic surveillance enhancements, improved control and display, adjunct receivers for special signal intercept including specific emitter ID, and high gain/high sensitivity features.

Meanwhile, the SEWIP Block 2 contract awarded to Lockheed Martin upgraded the Electronic Support (ES) antenna, ES receiver, and an open combat system interface for the AN/SLQ-32. 

Finally, Northrop Grumman delivered the Block 3 upgrade to provide an electronic attack capability with a non-kinetic, soft-kill magazine to neutralize incoming threats.