Lockheed Martin Makes First International SEWIP Sale to Japan

 Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) was awarded a $113 million contract by Naval Sea Systems Command for full-rate production of Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 2 AN/SLQ-32(V)6 and AN/SLQ-32C(V)6 systems. 

This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy and the government of Japan under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. It serves as a modification to a previously awarded SEWIP full-rate production contract that allowed for additional production based on need. 

The purchase for Japan marks the first international sale of the premier shipboard electronic warfare system in the world. Japan is a critical ally in the Western Pacific. Having SEWIP provides the same state-of-the-art system for detecting and identifying threats that the U.S. Navy uses, enhancing shipboard capabilities, and increasing interoperability with the U.S. Navy. 

“The SEWIP program has proven critical for the U.S. Navy in the early detection of threats,” said Deon Viergutz, vice president of Spectrum Convergence, Lockheed Martin Rotary & Mission Systems. “With this first purchase in Japan, we are setting the stage to continue to expand this key technology around the globe for an improved network of electronic surveillance, enabling U.S., allied and partner forces to continue to evolve and outpace modern threats.” 

For more than 13 years, Lockheed Martin has partnered with the U.S. Navy to develop and produce SEWIP Block 2, producing over 130 units. Work on this new contract will be performed in Liverpool, New York and Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by October 2026. 

About SEWIP 

   SEWIP Block 2 provides the Navy surface fleet with improved anti-ship missile defence and situational awareness. 

   The system is deployed on dozens of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers and will eventually be deployed on nearly all U.S. Navy surface combatants, including both classes of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). 

   U.S. Coast Guard will benefit from SEWIP Block 2 capability on their fleet of Offshore Patrol Cutters. 

   The SEWIP Block 2 system provides early detection, analysis, and threat warning against anti-ship missiles for surface ships. The situational awareness it provides can help sailors protect their ships from these missiles based on their invisible radio frequency signatures. 

   The Lockheed Martin SEWIP Block 2 system transitioned from a development program to full-rate production in September 2016. The system provides a significant advancement in capability to protect sailors and the fleet with expanded frequency coverage, increased sensitivity, advanced electromagnetic interference protection, lower life cycle costs and a scalable open architecture.