Lockheed Martin has been awarded a significant $551 million contract to enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of both current and future submarines operated by the United States Navy. This deal entails the provision of Lockheed’s advanced AN/BLQ-10 electronic support system, in addition to comprehensive engineering and technical support services.
While the specifics of which submarines will be upgraded with this electronic warfare system are not disclosed, the contract underscores the Navy’s commitment to improving its operational readiness. The majority of the work associated with this contract will take place at Lockheed’s facility in New York, with the anticipated completion date set for January 2030.
Further details from the Pentagon’s announcement indicate that the contract contains options that, if exercised, could potentially escalate its total value to an impressive $1.4 billion. This flexibility suggests that as operational needs evolve, there may be additional integration of electronic warfare capabilities into the Navy’s submarine fleet.
The AN/BLQ-10 system represents a cutting-edge advancement in electronic warfare technology. It is designed to provide submarine crews with superior situational awareness in challenging environments, particularly where electromagnetic signals can be abundant and complex. The system is engineered to rapidly receive, analyze, and relay critical information to commanding officers, thereby supporting informed decision-making in high-stakes situations.
Moreover, the AN/BLQ-10 system excels in processing a variety of signals, including those that are hostile, neutral, or friendly. This capability is crucial for effectively identifying threats and responding appropriately, thereby minimizing the risks associated with friendly fire incidents. Each installation of the AN/BLQ-10 features vital components such as a threat warning and mission tasking display, a geographic display, an identification confidence display, and receiver control functionality.
In a statement, Lockheed Martin emphasized the strategic importance of the AN/BLQ-10 electronic support system, remarking that it is well-suited to address the challenges faced by today’s and future Navy operations. The company describes the system as a proven, low-risk, and cost-effective solution for electronic warfare, providing essential analysis in a dynamic and uncertain operational landscape.
