BAE Systems secures contract for USS Halsey modernization in San Diego.

According to a PR published by BAE Systems on September 26, 2024, the firm has secured a $177.8 million contract from the U.S. Navy to perform extensive maintenance and modernization on the USS Halsey (DDG 97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.
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Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey. (Picture source: Dvids)

The contract, which could increase to $225.5 million if all options are exercised, involves a comprehensive overhaul under the Depot Maintenance Period (DMP) program at BAE's San Diego shipyard.

This project will include dry-docking the 509.5-foot ship for underwater hull preservation, upgrading its Aegis combat system as part of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP Block 3), and modernizing its command-and-control capabilities. The crew's living spaces will also be refurbished, benefiting the 260 personnel stationed aboard. The work is set to begin in late September 2024 and is expected to continue through 2026.

The USS Halsey will be the fifth destroyer to undergo DMP at BAE's San Diego facility, which recently completed similar work on the USS Mustin (DDG 89). This modernization is crucial to maintaining the Halsey's combat readiness and ensuring it can continue serving in the fleet for years to come.

SEWIP

The Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 3 is a critical initiative undertaken by the United States Navy to enhance the electronic warfare (EW) capabilities of its surface vessels. Building upon previous iterations of the SEWIP series, Block 3 introduces significant advancements in radar warning, electronic support, and electronic attack functionalities, aiming to bolster the Navy's defensive and offensive operations in increasingly contested maritime environments.

At its core, SEWIP Block 3 focuses on improving the detection and tracking of a wide range of airborne threats. This includes the ability to identify low-observable and highly maneuverable targets, which are becoming more prevalent in modern warfare. The system's enhanced radar capabilities allow for greater detection ranges and more precise targeting information, facilitating more accurate threat assessments and timely responses. This improvement is particularly important in scenarios where early warning can make a decisive difference in a ship's survivability against anti-ship missiles and other advanced weaponry.

Beyond radar warning, SEWIP Block 3 significantly upgrades the Navy's electronic support measures (ESM). The program enhances signal intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities, enabling more effective interception and analysis of enemy communications and radar emissions. This provides a comprehensive electronic order of battle, which is essential for understanding and countering adversary actions. Additionally, the integration of SEWIP Block 3 with other ship systems and networked platforms ensures that electronic warfare data is shared in real-time across the fleet. This interconnectedness fosters a more coordinated and unified defense posture, allowing different vessels and units to operate synergistically.