Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Raytheon [RTN] said yesterday they have teamed up to bid on the next contract to enhance the Navy’s electronic warfare program’s attack capability.
Northrop Grumman [NOC] also said it intends to bid when the Navy issues a request for proposals (RFP) later this year, but would not disclose any possible teaming arrangements.
The competition focuses on upgrading the electronic attack capability of the AN/SLQ-32 under the Block 3 version of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP). It’s designed to counter the growing technological capabilities of potential adversaries.
The AN/SLQ-32, originally developed by Raytheon for early detection, signal analysis, threat warning and protection from anti-ship missiles, is deployed on almost all of the Navy’s surface combatant and amphibious ships. It was later upgraded to add a jamming capability.
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the ongoing SEWIP Block 2 upgrades under a contract awarded in 2009. General Dynamics [GD] has also been involved in SEWIP but has not publicly said whether it intends to enter the competition.