The
UK Missile Defence Centre (MDC) in collaboration with its industry partners,
has announced a programme to explore the potential of the Royal Navy’s
Destroyers to conduct Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (TBMD) missions.
It follows on from successful satellite tracking experiments using BAE
Systems’ Cowes based Sampson radar, which is fitted to the Type
45 Class.
Building on its relationship with the US Missile Defense Agency
(MDA), the joint Ministry of Defence and industry-run MDC has agreed
to take part in a trial which will include for the first time a RN Type
45 taking part in a major research and development programme. This will
include testing the Sampson radar, part of the Sea Viper missile system,
in detecting and tracking ballistic targets.
While there is no programme to fit Type 45 with TBMD capability, much
of the MDC’s research over recent years has been geared towards
understanding any potential the Royal Navy’s newest destroyers
may have in this arena. |
Simon
Pavitt, Head of the MDC, remarked on the new approach to research and
development: “It will be a step change to be able to work so closely
with such a ship in an emerging area of Defence. Working with an operational
platform will make a significant difference to our level of understanding
and could contribute both financially and technically towards de-risking
any future programme.”
The MDA regularly conducts similar trials to test and verify the US
military’s BMD systems, including that of the US Navy’s
AEGIS ships. The invitation to include a Type 45 in one of these events
provides the first of such an opportunity and will allow the two allies
to continue their close cooperation in fostering interoperability between
their navies. HMS DARING, the first of the Type 45 Class, is no stranger
to operating with the US Navy having completed several training exercises
in both US and UK waters. HMS DARING’s recent deployment to the
Gulf included several joint operational missions. |
