Lockheed Martin secures first overseas SEWIP sale to Japan

A computer-generated image of Japan's ASEV. (Japan MoD)

The US government has contracted Lockheed Martin for full rate production of Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 2 AN/SLQ-32(V)6 and AN/SLQ-32C(V)6 systems for Japan.

Lockheed Martin told Janes on 31 October that under the USD113 million contract the electronic warfare systems will be installed on Japan's new Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs).

Lockheed Martin said the deal, through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, marks the first international sale of SEWIP Block 2 AN/SLQ-32(V)6 and AN/SLQ-32C(V)6 systems. Work is expected to be completed by October 2026.

“The SEWIP Block 2 AN/SLQ-32(V)6 and AN/SLQ-32C(V)6 systems compared to previous versions offer increased sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability through state-of-the-art COTS [commercial off-the-shelf] equipment that allow the system to be easily upgraded as new HW/SW [hardware and software] become available,” Lockheed Martin told Janes .

SEWIP is a programme to replace SLQ-32 hardware with digital technology. It is also a key component in the delivery of fully integrated net-centric warfare solutions and data exchange with the Lockheed Martin Aegis combat system.

The SLQ-32(V)6 Block 2 provides enhanced electronic support (ES) capability by means of an upgraded ES antenna, an ES receiver, and an open combat system interface for the SLQ-32 and SLQ-32C(V)6, also referred to as ‘SEWIP Lite'.

In January 2014 Lockheed Martin completed land-based testing of SEWIP (V)6 Block 2 and the first system has been installed on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96).

For more information, please seeSLQ-32(V) .