DRS Laurel to build Navy network-based Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) to defend against anti-ship missiles

WASHINGTON – Electronics manufacturing experts at Leonardo DRS Laurel Technologies in Johnstown, Pa., will build hardware for the U.S. Navy's Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) under terms of an $11.4 million contract announced last week.

Officials of the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington are asking DRS Laurel for Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) Technical Insertion 2016 (TI-16) hardware production and engineering services.

The SSDS helps crews of Navy surface warships detect, track, assess, and shoot down incoming subsonic and supersonic anti-ship missiles. It is designed to expedite the detect-to-engage sequence to defend against anti-ship cruise missiles.

SSDS links and automates stand-alone sensors and weapon systems to help ship crews respond quickly enough to incoming anti-ship missile threats to shoot them down before they hit their vessels.

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The SSDS uses a fiber optic local area network to connect ship sensors and weapons to coordinate sensor integration; identify and evaluate potential threats; assess readiness of ship defenses; and execute specific tactical procedures.

The SSDS also helps the ship's captain control his weapons such that his crew has a good chance at shooting down incoming cruise missiles. The system is for aircraft carriers and expeditionary ships of seven ship classes.

On this contract, DRS Laurel will do the work in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and should be finished by April 2023. For more information contact Leonardo DRS online at www.leonardodrs.com, or Naval Sea Systems Command at www.navsea.navy.mil.