Northrop continues modernization of ship air defense system

MCLEAN, Va., July 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has issued an engineering task order to Northrop Grumman for continued modernization of the Ship Self-Defense System Mark 2.

The SSDS MK2 is an air defense system that coordinates the existing sensors, self-defense weapons and counter-measures to shorten the detect-to-engage cycle.

"The system is critical to enhance the self-defense capabilities of the Navy's aircraft carriers and amphibious ships," said Mike Barrett, director, maritime combat systems, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "It's important we continue migrating toward COTS [commercial-off-the-shelf] equipment to improve performance and enable increased cybersecurity."

The task order comes under the SeaPort-e indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract vehicle. It's five-year value, if all options are exercised, would be about $61 million.

Under the award, the company will provide life-cycle engineering, system engineering and integration, and hardware prototype development. It will also involve replacing obsolete components with new open systems.