Ship Self Defense (Engage: Hard Kill)

The PE 0604756N: Ship Self Defense (Engage: Hard Kill) program is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing shipboard hard kill capabilities against anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), surface-to-surface threats, and emerging unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats. The goal is to develop, integrate, and field advanced missile and gun-based defensive systems to ensure U.S. Navy vessels can effectively counter highly maneuverable and complex raid threats. This program element supports multiple projects, each with specific objectives aimed at enhancing ship self-defense through technological innovation, system integration, and rapid fielding of new capabilities.

The Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) program, a cooperative effort with Germany, is dedicated to developing and integrating the latest RAM Block 2B missile into the fleet. Objectives include completing integration with the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) Baseline 12 and Aegis Combat System, operating a Performance Lab for rapid performance assessment, and maintaining a Software Factory for agile missile software updates. The Stowed Kill Improvement Project (SKIP) aims to enhance missile uplink/downlink capabilities for improved mid-course guidance and kill assessment, thereby increasing the number of threats that can be engaged per launcher.

The NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System (NSSMS) project is an international consortium effort to enhance the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) system through integration, testing, and software upgrades. Priorities include extensive operational testing, technology roadmap development, and addressing obsolescence in launchers and tracker-illuminator systems. The Adaptable Deck Launcher (ADL) initiative replaces legacy launchers to double ESSM capacity on large deck ships and support flexible loadouts. Additional efforts focus on software improvements, C-Band telemetry upgrades for test data collection, and system engineering for the MK 9 Tracker-Illuminator System.

The Over-the-Horizon (OTH) Missile project funds the competitive acquisition, testing, and integration of a modern surface-to-surface missile capability for Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and Frigates (FFG). The primary objective is to provide these platforms with extended-range strike capability against surface targets. Ongoing efforts include live fire and operational testing, system engineering, and simulation activities to support program execution and fleet evaluation. The acquisition strategy transitions from a competitive contract to a sole-source arrangement with the original equipment manufacturer as the program matures.

The Afloat Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) project was established to address urgent operational needs, focusing on acquiring, testing, and fielding prototype shipboard C-UAS solutions. The budget supports procurement of long-lead items and rapid fielding of new capabilities to deploying ships. The program emphasizes adaptability to evolving UAS threats, leveraging lessons from prior urgent capability acquisitions to ensure continuous improvement and integration of the latest counter-UAS technologies.

The Phalanx CIWS SEARAM project is centered on integrating the latest RAM Block 2B missile into the MK 15 MOD 40 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) baseline, specifically for Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. The goal is to enable these ships to counter advanced ASCM threats and complex raids by updating system requirements, developing new operational software, and conducting simulated and live fire testing. The project also includes formal qualification testing and combat system integration to ensure the new missile variant is fully operational within the CIWS framework.