Exclusive: US Navy Enhances Defense of combat ship with Hellfire Missiles and Advanced Counter-Drone Systems.
18 Jan, 2025 - 10:24
Naval News Navy 2025
On January 16, 2025, the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced a significant enhancement to the defense capabilities of the U.S. Navy combat ships, with the USS Indianapolis (LCS 17), a forward-deployed Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), receiving critical upgrades to its Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) capabilities. As part of this upgrade, the ship has integrated Longbow Hellfire (LBHF) missiles into its Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) to enhance its ability to counter both traditional maritime threats and emerging aerial challenges posed by unmanned systems.
An AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missile launches from the Surface-To-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) aboard the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8). The missile exercise was the first proof-of-concept launch of the Longbow Hellfire missile against a land-based target. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
The LBHF (Longbow Hellfire ) missile, originally designed to counter small boat threats with its precision-guided capabilities, now plays a dual role in neutralizing drones and other aerial threats. The Longbow Hellfire variant incorporates radar-guided technology, enabling it to engage targets in adverse weather conditions and through battlefield clutter, significantly improving its effectiveness in complex operational environments. With a range of up to 8 kilometers, the LBHF missile uses a laser-guided warhead for high precision, while its radar seeker offers enhanced target acquisition, even in conditions where visibility is limited. This integration of Hellfire missiles into the C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System) suite allows the U.S. Navy USS Indianapolis Littoral Combat Ship to rapidly neutralize both surface and aerial threats, reinforcing the LCS's (Littoral Combat Ship) adaptability in the face of modern multi-domain challenges.
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