During DSEI 2015 which took place in London from 15-18 September, Navy Recognition met with Frank St. John, vice president at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. We discussed Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) program update as well as the possibility to see Lockheed Martin's next generation anti-ship missile fitted one day on board the Royal Navy's future Type 26 Frigates.LRASM critical design review (CDR) is set to happen in seven months and that part of the CDR includes review of export policy. Frank St. John reminded us that the "A, B, C countries" (Australia, Great Britain, Canada) are typically the first U.S. Allies to get the green light for procurement of the latest U.S. made military technology.
"Type 26 will be fitted with MK 41 vertical launching system and I believe LRASM would be a good fit for these vessels" added Frank St. John. Talking about Australia, he explained that the country is faced with the same threats that led the United States to develop the LRASM and the fact that the Royal Australian Air Force already deploys F/A-18s should also be seen as a good opportunity.
Speaking more broadly about LRASM program updates, Frank St. John explained that part the expansion of a cruise missile facility in Alabama is for production of LRASM and this shows that everything is on track. The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) will soon transition LRASM program management to the U.S. Navy. "We think the LRASM is a very good missile to answer the U.S. Navy anti-ship missile requirements" concluded Frank St. John.
No comments:
Post a Comment