The Navy awarded VTG a contract worth $9 million to install and integrate the Navy’s new dazzling directed energy laser on five more Arleigh Burke
-class destroyers.
The company said the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC-PHD) selected it to install the AN/SEQ-4 Optical Dazzler Interdictor, Navy (ODIN) on five destroyers in a contract awarded in April.
VTG previously successfully installed the ODIN system on the USS Stockdale (DDG-106) and USS Spruance (DDG-111) in 2020 via a separate contract.
In a statement, the company noted it finished “both projects on time and on budget, and setting the standard for future directed energy weapon installations aboard U.S. Navy ships.”
VTG told Defense Daily the work on the five destroyers is planned to occur over the next 24 months but it did not disclose where the work will occur or which specific ships will receive the ODIN.
The low-power laser ODIN system aims to counter the electro-optical and infrared intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors and capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as other opponent platforms.
“Our team is honored to support NSWC-PHD in integrating this innovative defensive technology into the Fleet. The ODIN laser represents a significant advancement for the Navy in addressing asymmetric threats and protecting our sailors,” John Hassoun, VTG president and CEO, said in a statement.
“Delivering next-generation capabilities to our warfighters is something we’re passionate about. VTG’s depth of expertise with ODIN, together with our skilled fleet modernization team, cutting-edge manufacturing and prototyping capabilities, and long-term legacy of support to the Navy, makes us uniquely qualified to perform this mission critical work,” he continued.
VTG boasted its experience in the last 10 years modernizing 240 surface ships, aircraft carriers and submarines.
The ODIN laser is being developed and built by the NSWC Dahlgren Division for use on surface vessels.
The Navy installed the first ODIN laser weapon on the USS Dewey (DDG-105) in February 2020. At the time, the system had moved from an approved idea to installation within two and a half years.
The Navy’s FY ‘22 budget request noted the FY ‘18 budget was the first year supporting the design, development, procurement and installation of eight ODIN standalone units on Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyers over the five-year Future Year Development Program period.