US Navy Demonstrates New At-Sea Missile Reloading System for Warships.

According to information published by the US DoD on 7, October, 2024, the Navy showcased a groundbreaking rearming system designed to reload warships at sea, in a recent demonstration at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Sailors from the Navy and USS Chosin (CG 65) demonstrate reloading a MK 41 Vertical Launching System cell. (Picture source: DVIDS)

The event featured the Transferrable Rearming Mechanism (TRM), which successfully transferred a missile canister along cables to simulate the reloading of a ship’s MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) cell.

This demonstration involved sailors from the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group and crew members from the USS Chosin (CG 65). The TRM allows for at-sea replenishment of munitions, potentially reducing the time a warship would need to spend in port for resupply.

Comments

This capability enhances both strategic and tactical flexibility. Strategically, the Navy can maintain a forward presence without frequent interruptions for resupply, keeping vessels on station longer and increasing mission endurance. Tactically, the ability to rearm during operations enables quicker adaptation to evolving threat environments. This is particularly valuable in scenarios where maintaining a constant missile loadout is critical, such as anti-air warfare, missile defense, and strike operations.

From an operational standpoint, the TRM could significantly reduce dependency on fixed supply chains, allowing task forces to operate further from logistical bases. This reduces vulnerabilities, as adversaries may target supply hubs or transit routes in an effort to limit naval power projection. In contested regions, where port access might be constrained, the TRM provides a degree of independence from shore-based infrastructure, improving the Navy's ability to operate in hostile environments.

However, the implementation of at-sea rearming will require adjustments. First, the technical and procedural aspects of using such a system in real-world conditions, especially during combat or high-threat scenarios, need to be thoroughly validated. Safety and efficiency concerns in transferring heavy missile canisters across cables in potentially rough seas will also require attention. Training sailors to operate the system effectively and integrating it into existing replenishment doctrines will be key to realizing its potential.

In terms of broader strategic implications, the TRM contributes to the concept of distributed maritime operations (DMO). By decentralizing logistical capabilities, the Navy can distribute forces more widely across a theater.